War fatigue in the region: how perceptions of the conflict in Ukraine have changed – Central European Times

Report on Shifting Public Attitudes in Central Europe Towards the War in Ukraine and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

This report analyzes recent shifts in public opinion across Central European nations regarding the war in Ukraine. The findings highlight a complex and evolving landscape of support, fatigue, and security concerns, with significant implications for the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and related goals concerning international partnerships and social cohesion.

Poland: Enduring Support for Ukraine Amidst Growing Fatigue

Public sentiment in Poland reflects a growing tension between the desire for a just peace, aligned with SDG 16, and an increasing preference for conflict resolution to mitigate long-term instability. While foundational support for Ukrainian sovereignty remains, war fatigue is evident.

• A January 2025 survey indicates that 68% of Poles wish for a Ukrainian victory, reaffirming a commitment to justice for the aggrieved nation (SDG 16).
• However, a December 2024 poll reveals that 55% of the population prioritizes an immediate end to the war, even if it involves Ukrainian territorial concessions.
• Support for Ukraine’s integration into international institutions, a key aspect of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), is waning. A 2025 poll shows only 35% support for EU accession and 37% for NATO membership.
• Declining support for refugees and military aid suggests challenges to social cohesion (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) and the sustainability of long-term assistance programs.

Czechia: Sympathy Tempered by Preference for Compromise

In Czechia, public opinion demonstrates a clear distinction between humanitarian solidarity and military engagement, indicating a cautious approach to achieving SDG 16. While sympathy for Ukraine is high, there is a strong preference for de-escalation and compromise.

• A Q4 2024 survey shows a relative plurality (44%) supports a Ukrainian victory.
• A significant portion of the population (39%) finds an “interim peace or neutrality” to be an acceptable outcome, prioritizing the reduction of violence (SDG 16.1).
• There is a notable divergence in support for different forms of aid: a 2025 poll indicates 77% approve of humanitarian assistance, while only 39% endorse military support. This highlights a public preference for non-violent contributions to peace.

Slovakia: Regional Low in Support and Strong Desire for Neutrality

Slovakia presents the most divided public opinion in the region, posing a challenge to a unified regional approach to peace and security under SDG 16 and SDG 17. A significant portion of the population is disengaged from supporting Ukraine, with some openly favoring the aggressor.

• According to late 2024 surveys, only 32% of the Slovak population desires a Ukrainian victory.
• A notable 17% of respondents explicitly support a Russian victory, a stance in direct opposition to the principles of international law and peaceful societies (SDG 16).
• War fatigue and an openness to compromise or neutrality are strong, indicating a public desire to disengage from the conflict.
• Research identifies a generational divide, with the 16–24 age group being the most pro-Ukraine, though their support is not decisive.

Hungary: Ambivalent Stance and Overwhelming Opposition to Military Engagement

Hungarian public opinion remains ambivalent, characterized by a firm rejection of direct military involvement. This position impacts the potential for robust regional partnerships (SDG 17) aimed at upholding international law and ensuring collective security.

• The proportion of the public holding Russia primarily responsible for the conflict increased from 48% in 2023 to 54% in 2024, showing a gradual shift in perception.
• A Spring 2024 survey found that 86% of Hungarians oppose the deployment of European or NATO soldiers to Ukraine.
• This stance reflects a national policy focused on non-escalation, which, while aiming to preserve immediate peace, complicates collective efforts to enforce the principles of SDG 16 on an international scale.

Romania: Strong Support for Ukraine Tempered by Growing Security Anxieties

In Romania, public sentiment is heavily influenced by the conflict’s proximity, leading to heightened security concerns that directly relate to the stability targeted by SDG 16. While support for Ukraine’s cause is strong, a desire for a swift resolution is growing.

• Data from 2025 shows that 74.9% of Romanians believe the war affects their country to a significant extent.
• Support for a peace settlement conditional on full Russian withdrawal has decreased from 64% in 2023 to 55.8% in 2025, indicating a rising willingness to consider compromise to restore regional stability.
• Security anxieties are high, with a 2025 study revealing that 41.7% of the population worries about Romania becoming involved in the conflict.
• Consequently, 72.8% support increased defense spending. This diversion of national resources, while aimed at securing peace (SDG 16), presents a potential trade-off with funding for other sustainable development priorities like SDG 1 (No Poverty) or SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The entire article is centered on the Russian aggression in Ukraine, a major violent conflict. It discusses public attitudes towards peace, the resolution of the war (victory vs. compromise), security concerns, and military support, all of which are core themes of SDG 16.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article touches upon the issue of refugees fleeing the conflict. The mention of declining public support in Poland for accepting refugees directly relates to the treatment and inclusion of displaced populations, a key aspect of reducing inequalities.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article discusses international cooperation through military and humanitarian aid, as well as public opinion on Ukraine’s potential accession to international alliances like the EU and NATO. These are forms of global partnerships aimed at addressing the crisis.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

  The article’s focus on public desire to end the war, whether through victory or compromise, directly addresses the goal of reducing the violence of the ongoing conflict. For example, it notes that in Poland, “a majority of society (55%) believes the most important goal is to end the war.”

• Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, to build capacity at all levels… to prevent violence.

  The discussion of military support, defense spending, and NATO membership relates to strengthening institutional capacity for security and violence prevention. The article highlights that in Romania, “72.8% support increasing defense spending,” indicating public backing for strengthening national defense institutions in response to the conflict.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people…

  This target is relevant due to the mention of public attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees. The article states, “The Polish public has also become divided over aid and assistance: support for accepting refugees has declined,” which reflects on the societal aspect of managing the mobility of people displaced by conflict.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships…

  The article explores public opinion on various forms of international partnerships. This includes support for humanitarian aid (77% in Czechia), military support (39% in Czechia), and Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO, which are critical multi-stakeholder partnerships for regional stability and development.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicators for Target 16.1

• Proportion of the population supporting a specific outcome for the conflict: The article provides several quantitative measures of public opinion.
  • In Poland, 68% want a Ukrainian victory.
  • In Czechia, 44% want a Ukrainian victory, while 39% find “interim peace or neutrality” acceptable.
  • In Slovakia, only 32% want Ukraine to win, while 17% support a Russian victory.
• Proportion of the population prioritizing an end to the war over territorial integrity: The article mentions a poll showing 55% of Poles believe the most important goal is to end the war, even at the cost of Ukrainian territorial losses.

Indicators for Target 16.a

• Public support for military assistance to conflict-affected nations: The article notes that in Czechia, “only 39% approve of military support.”
• Public support for increasing national defense spending: A clear indicator is provided for Romania, where “72.8% support increasing defense spending.”

Indicators for Target 10.7

• Public support for accepting refugees: While not providing a specific percentage, the article indicates a negative trend in Poland, stating that “support for accepting refugees has declined.” This trend serves as a qualitative indicator of public sentiment towards refugee policies.

Indicators for Target 17.16

• Public support for a country’s accession to international alliances: The article provides precise figures for Poland, where “only 35% support Ukraine joining the EU, 37% support NATO membership.”
• Public support for providing humanitarian aid: This is measured in Czechia, where “77% support humanitarian aid,” indicating strong public backing for this form of international partnership.

Summary of Findings

Source: centraleuropeantimes.com