The Russia-Ukraine war has laid bare the internal fault lines within the EU bloc. Here are 5 European nations that are toeing Russia’s line on the Ukraine question.
A poll conducted last September in Slovakia showed the majority of the population in Slovakia would love to see Russia’s victory against Ukraine. Around 55 per cent of people supported Russia while just 33 per cent backed Ukraine.
The government led by Viktor Orban in Hungary is Europe’s most pro-Russia, and it also enjoys solid public support. A survey conducted last May showed only 45 per cent of Hungarians perceived Russia as a threat.
Bulgaria has also been the EU’s weakest link when it comes to sanctioning Russia. A poll conducted last May showed only 33 per cent of Bulgarian see Russia as a threat.
While the majority of people in Georgia support NATO and West, the government in Tbilisi is a staunch supporter of Russia. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was a Russian oligarch and a close aide of Putin.
Both Russia and Serbia are primarily Slavic and Eastern Orthodox nations, and they have a close cultural bond. Serbia and Russia have an agreement in place to "consult" each other on international affairs.