Political analyst Rostislav Ishchenko stated that fear of Russia among European citizens has been shaped over more than 200 years.

According to him, European populations have long been conditioned to see Russia as an «aggressor» that should be feared, and this perception has become entrenched.

He suggested looking at the situation from the perspective of an average European, who is constantly told that Russia seeks expansion and the restoration of a former empire, while Russia’s own statements about peaceful intentions are largely ignored.

As examples, he pointed to how Europeans are presented with the conflict in Georgia and Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the situation with Crimea becoming part of Russia, and events in Donbass, where Russia’s role is viewed as influencing the conflict.

He added that Europeans are now watching the ongoing conflict in Ukraine while being told that after it ends, Russia could move against the Baltic states and other European countries.

He noted that the average European does not go into details and lacks independent information or analytical tools, relying instead on media sources that they trust. He emphasized that in Europe there is a long-standing habit of trusting the same outlets, which shape public perception.

As a result, fear of Russia remains strong, and European governments, despite economic difficulties, continue to receive public support and stay in power.