What Italians think. A new SWG survey conducted from 14 to 16 May 2025 shows that a clear majority of Italians—65%—see Russian President Vladimir Putin, rather than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as the primary barrier to a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine.
- Just 17% of respondents attributed the primary responsibility to Zelensky, while 11% felt both leaders bore equal blame, and another 11% remained undecided.
- The results suggest that Italians broadly view Russia’s leadership as the party undermining diplomatic progress.
Putin versus Zelensky. This finding cuts across the political spectrum but is most pronounced among centre-right voters, nearly half of whom single out Putin alone.
- Centre-left supporters, by contrast, are more inclined to spread the blame or remain uncertain.
Views on Trump’s mediation. Opinions are similarly split about US President Donald Trump’s role as a mediator.
- Thirty-one per cent of those polled described his efforts as positive, albeit mostly “somewhat” rather than “very” favourable, while 44% judged them negative.
- The remainder were either neutral or said they had no opinion.
- Again, party affiliation matters: 44% of centre-right voters praised Trump’s approach, compared with only 16% of centre-left respondents.
Coalition of the willing. When asked whether Italy should join a proposed UK-France “coalition of the willing” to enforce a ceasefire in Ukraine, 40% supported the idea, 36% opposed it, and 24% were unsure.
- Support was highest among centre-left voters (60%) and lowest among the centre-right, with a slim majority (51%) rejecting participation.
- This divide reflects broader hesitation about entangling Italian forces in new foreign operations.
The arms-supply debate. Italy’s delivery of arms to Kyiv also splits public opinion almost evenly, with 42% back continued shipments, 41% want them halted, and 17% are undecided.
- Notably, opposition to arms supplies has risen by nine percentage points since September 2023, indicating growing war-weariness or concern over prolonging the conflict.
Looking ahead. This SWG “Radar” poll underscores a nation grappling with complex views on foreign policy.
- While most Italians agree on Russia’s primary role in stalling peace efforts, they remain divided on how far Italy should go in supporting Ukraine, whether through participation in a multinational force, continuing arms supplies or backing US-led mediation.
