The war in Ukraine is uniting Central-East European (CEE) populations in support of Ukrainians and against ties with the Putin government. However, it is muddying attitudes to illiberal politicians: there is support for incumbents promising stability and a firm approach to defence, but overtly pro-Putin politicians are being left on the fringes.
The OECD estimates the financial consequences of 5 million refugees at EUR50bn (USD55.4bn).
Once energy supply becomes a problem for Europeans, people could turn against incumbent governments.
The different treatment of Ukrainians from people fleeing wars outside Europe and non-white third-country nationals will come to the fore.
Ongoing investment projects with Russian financing will not be immediately severed, particularly those that can ‘fly under the radar’.
