Ukraine Conflict: Nuclear war and energy prices among the biggest fears for the British public
Data published by the Statista Research Department shows that the threat of nuclear weapons by Russia is the biggest concern for the British public.
64% of the respondents stated that the threat of nuclear weapons by Russia was a top three concern. This was closely followed by the cost of living and higher energy prices (60%).
Public opinion towards Russia using its nuclear arsenal has only been made worse with Vladimir Putin’s constant flexing of his nuclear muscles.
Speaking at Russia’s Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, on 7th December, Putin reminded attendees: “We have these means in more advanced and modern form than any other nuclear country.”
As NATO’s relationship with the Kremlin seems shaky at best, Putin’s war has left many British people a little uneasy. Putin is widely thought to boast the largest nuclear arsenal in the world.
Another top concern for the public is the cost of living and the rise in energy prices.
Russia accounts for 17% of global energy output, and with a post-pandemic energy demand already exceeding supplies, the strain on the international gas markets has meant that gas prices have skyrocketed in the UK.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics, show that 90% of adults in the UK have experienced an increase in the price of food shopping, and 79% have experienced an increase in the rise of gas or electricity bills.
These price rises have been a direct consequence of the war in Ukraine, due to the reliance on the region for gas and grain imports.
Among the other factors published by the Statista Research Department, 51% of those surveyed stated that the threat of Russian chemical weapons was also one of their top three concerns.
Russia has also demonstrated that it is not afraid to use chemical weapons in order to advance its own position.
One recent example of this includes a Facebook post, shared on the 4th of December, by the Naval Armed Forces of Ukraine, which stated: “The occupiers are dropping chloropicrin grenades from drones on our defenders in the east.”
By using the K-51 chloropicrin grenade, Russia would be in direct breach of international law. If the war in Ukraine has shown the world anything about Putin’s Russia, it is that he has no regard for international law.
36% of people surveyed, stated the threat of Russian military action in the UK was a major concern and 30% stated they were worried about Russian cyber-attacks.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, there has been constant cyber warfare between Russia and Ukraine. This has been the result of Russia believing the West is getting too close to Russian borders.
Technology corporation Microsoft has revealed, through its research, that Russia uses cyber-attacks, in conjunction with missile strikes, to attack essential Ukrainian infrastructure.
Healthcare, energy/water suppliers and the emergency services have all been the target of intensive missile bombardment.