The study reliably shows something that was implicit in the reaction of European societies towards the reception of Ukrainian refugees: the fact that these refugees are perceived by Europeans more favorably than those from other regions of the world.

Based on empirical research, a survey, developed in the United Kingdom and Malta, the analysis shows that the British and Maltese have more favorable feelings (less fear, more sympathy) towards Ukrainian refugees than towards Syrians and Somalis.

Surveys indicate that Spaniards have more positive attitudes towards receiving refugees than Britons or Maltese. However, there has never been such an intense spontaneous mobilization of aid to Syrian or Somali refugees in Spain as that which occurred in 2022 in favor of the Ukrainians, which suggests that also in our country the feelings aroused by some and others are different.

The most important limitation of the study is that it does not investigate the perception among Europeans of the war in Ukraine, compared to the perception of the causes that motivate departures from Syria or Somalia. And therefore, the study cannot identify a key element to understand the special response of European societies towards Ukrainian refugees: the fear of Western Europeans of Russian aggressiveness and expansionism, which threaten not only Ukraine but the entire Europe. Without remembering that Europe has been involved in that war in many ways – something that has not happened either in Syria or Somalia – the reaction of European societies and states to the Ukrainian refugees cannot be understood.

To suggest, as the study does, that they are better welcomed essentially because they are white and of Christian heritage is to forget the most important component: that we participate indirectly but undoubtedly in the war in favor of Ukrainian sovereignty and, therefore, these refugees. They are allies against a common enemy.