---
title: "Europe's Shield: Why Ukrainians Are Ready to Defend Neighbors from Russia"
description: "Ukrainians believe that the AFU is defending all of Europe from Russia: 73% support the army's participation in the defense of neighbors. 🇺🇦🛡️ The US has recognized the Ukrainian army as the most powerful in the EU and is adopting drone identification experience. 🇺🇸🤝"
date: 2026-05-27T12:30:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/afu-participation-in-eu-defense-what-the-poll-showed
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Europe's Shield: Why Ukrainians Are Ready to Defend Neighbors from Russia

![A Ukrainian soldier in camouflage holding a reconnaissance drone against the backdrop of a blue sky and tall grass](https://xab.info/media/2026/05/27/uchastie-zsu-v-oborone-yes-chto-pokazalo-opytovanie/soldat-s-dronom-v-polu.webp)

The question of who defends Europe has ceased to be theoretical. According to the latest data from the sociological group "Rating", an overwhelming majority of Ukrainians are ready to support the participation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the defense of neighboring countries and the Baltic states in the event of a Russian attack. This is not just statistics — it is a fundamental shift in the perception of the Ukrainian army's role on the international stage.

The numbers speak for themselves: more than half of respondents approve of the idea of deploying Ukrainian military forces outside the country to protect European partners. At the same time, almost three-quarters (73%) are convinced that the AFU today is fighting not only for its own people but also serves as a guarantor of security for all the peoples of the continent. Only 23% hold the opinion that the army should focus exclusively on national interests.

### European Integration as a Unifying Factor

Sociologists note an interesting correlation between the attitude towards joining the EU and the perception of the army's mission. Among supporters of European integration, 84% see Ukrainian soldiers as defenders of all of Europe. Even among skeptics who oppose joining the European Union, 57% agree that the Ukrainian army plays the role of a shield for the region. These figures are surprisingly stable and have not changed over the last four years, which testifies to the maturity of public opinion.

### Recognition in the West

Internal support is reinforced by external recognition. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that thanks to combat experience and Western support, the AFU has become the most powerful army in the European Union, despite the colossal superiority of the aggressor in resources. This status dictates new rules of the game: Ukrainian military experience is becoming a standard that is even adopted by partner armies.

A vivid example of such an exchange of experience is the training of American military personnel. US forces have begun to master a unique AFU methodology — identifying enemy drones by their characteristic sound. This skill, honed in the harsh conditions of real combat, now helps American patrols identify threats in time. Ukraine has ceased to be merely an object of aid, becoming a strategic partner and teacher in matters of modern warfare.