According to a survey conducted by the Sociological Group Rating in 2023, Ukraine is among the countries with the lowest level of fear of a nuclear threat. The poll showed that in comparison to Asia, Africa, and South America, fewer respondents from Europe believe that the threat of nuclear weapons use is high. Despite Russia’s repeated threats to use nuclear weapons in response to Western support for Ukraine, these threats have not materialized, and Russia continues to wage war in Ukraine without utilizing its nuclear arsenal. The survey also revealed that two-fifths of respondents globally assess the risk of using nuclear arms as high, with the younger group being the most pessimistic about the nuclear threat.
The survey, which was conducted in 41 countries with over 40,000 participants, found that Italy, Portugal, and Romania in Europe have the highest fear of nuclear threat, while countries like Indonesia, Nigeria, Ecuador, Syria, and Argentina have a large number of respondents who assess the nuclear threat as high. Interestingly, Ukraine, along with Armenia, Pakistan, and Iran, has the highest percentage of people who believe there is no such risk. This reflects the unique perspective of Ukrainian residents on the nuclear threat, despite being a country actively involved in a conflict where nuclear weapons have been threatened.
In late 2022, there were reports that Washington was preparing for a possible Russian nuclear strike in Ukraine, which would have been the first nuclear attack in a conflict since the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. This highlights the seriousness of the situation in Ukraine and the potential risks involved. Ukraine, however, has a history with nuclear disarmament, as one of its priorities when adopting the Declaration of Sovereignty in 1990 was to rid the country of nuclear weapons. This decision was made to gain greater rights and freedoms within the Soviet Union, showing Ukraine’s commitment to a nuclear-free future.
Despite the ongoing conflict and threats of nuclear weapons, Ukraine remains steadfast in its stance against such risks. The survey results indicate that while the global fear of a nuclear threat persists, there are varying perceptions among different countries and age groups. Ukraine’s unique position in the survey reflects its historical context and current geopolitical situation. As the country continues to navigate challenges posed by Russia and other external threats, support for independent journalism and the fight for peace becomes crucial in shaping public opinion and ensuring a more secure future for Ukraine and its residents.
