Most western Europeans see Trump as a threat to peace, survey finds

US President Donald Trump (Courtesy: Reuters photo)

A recent YouGov survey across five Western European countries—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK—found that majorities view US President Donald Trump as a significant threat to peace and security in Europe, according to a report in The Guardian. The poll comes after Trump’s recent criticism of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine.

European concerns over Trump’s impact

The survey, conducted between February 26 and March 4, revealed that public concern about Trump’s influence varies by country. While 58% of Italians see him as a “very big or fairly big” threat, this sentiment rises to 69% in France, 74% in Germany, 75% in Spain, and 78% in the UK. By comparison, the proportion of respondents who see Vladimir Putin as a threat is even higher, ranging from 74% in Italy to 89% in the UK.

Trump’s favorability ratings are similarly low. In four countries surveyed (excluding Germany), between 63% (Italy) and 80% (UK) of respondents had an unfavourable view of him. Putin’s ratings were even worse, with disapproval ranging from 77% to 89%.

Doubts about US commitments to NATO

The polling also found increasing scepticism about whether the US would honour its NATO obligations. If Russia attacked Poland or the Baltic states, only 18% to 39% of respondents across the UK, France, Spain, and Italy believed that the US would intervene. However, confidence was slightly higher when respondents were asked whether the US would defend their own countries.

Similarly, there is little confidence that Western Europe could support Ukraine effectively without US backing. Only 35% of Spaniards and 33% of Britons believe Europe alone could provide sufficient aid. The numbers are even lower in France, Germany, and Italy (24-25%).

Support for Ukraine vs. military spending hesitancy

Despite strong public support for Ukraine’s victory—67% in the UK, 57% in Spain, 52% in Germany, 50% in France, and 34% in Italy—most Europeans doubt that current aid levels are enough to prevent a Russian victory. However, few support increasing their own country’s military aid, with approval ranging from just 9% in Italy to 24% in the UK.

While awareness of the need for greater defence spending has grown, the increase is modest. The UK shows the highest support at 46% (up six points from previous polls), followed by 39% in France (up 12 points), 32% in Spain (up six), and just 11% in Italy (unchanged).

European peacekeeping and fears of future conflict

Concerns about Russia’s long-term intentions remain high. Majorities in the UK (65%) and Spain (55%) believe Russia would attack Ukraine again within a decade, while 49% of French respondents and 48% of Germans share this fear. Italians are more divided, with 35% expecting another war and 37% not.

The idea of deploying European peacekeepers to Ukraine—proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer—has gained traction in some countries. In Britain, 52% support the plan (with 27% opposed), and in France, 49% approve (versus 29% against). Spain also shows majority support (53%), while Germany (36%) and Italy (37%) are more reluctant.

Beyond Ukraine, many Europeans fear Russian aggression could extend further into the continent. In the UK, 60% believe Russia will attack another European country within the next decade. This belief is shared by 44-47% of respondents in France, Germany, and Spain, while 45% of Italians consider it unlikely.

Widespread opposition to US-Russia peace deal

The Biden administration’s reported attempt to negotiate a peace deal directly with Russia—excluding Ukraine—has been widely rejected. Majorities ranging from 52% to 78% in the UK, Spain, France, and Italy find this approach unacceptable. Large numbers also believe excluding Europe from these negotiations would be a mistake.

The survey underscores deep European concerns over Trump’s return to power and the shifting role of the US in global security. With fears of future Russian aggression and doubts about NATO commitments, Europe faces mounting pressure to bolster its own defences.