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As of late May, in the three months since Russia invaded Ukraine, 6.8 million refugees had fled the war into other countries. The majority, some 3.6 million people, headed to Poland, while another million went to Romania. European Union nations and others began offering visa waivers and other schemes to help Ukrainians. The UK, for example, is currently home to about 60,000 refugees from Ukraine.

Further east of Europe, the people of Afghanistan are experiencing conflict which has lasted for over 40 years. More than 2.6 million Afghan refugees are registered with the UNs refugee agency alone, with an increasing number of people fleeing the country in the wake of the Taliban takeover.

Do people think that refugees from one of these two countries deserve more help than the other? Are peoples views mirroring the racist double standards that characterised much of the coverage of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East? We set out to find out what the British public believes. Caught between their desire to show solidarity for people affected by war and their evergreen concerns that too many people are coming to the UK, legally or illegally, we wanted to know how recent events have shaped their views.

To do this, we conducted an online survey, as part of ongoing research, with a representative sample of 1,690 adults in Great Britain contacted via YouGov. Among other questions, we asked respondents:

do you agree or disagree that we should let refugees fleeing conflict-affected areas come and stay in the UK?

To get to the core of the matter, however, we actually deployed three slightly different versions of this question, with each respondent only seeing one. In one version, we asked the question as it is, in one further version, we added a reference to Ukraine as the conflict-afflicted area, and in a third version, Afghanistan was used as the example.

For people receiving the neutral version of the question, levels of support for helping refugees were high, with 71% agreeing that the refugees should be allowed to come and stay in the UK. We found similar levels of agreement when we ask about Ukrainian refugees, with 70% of respondents agreeing we should help.

However, in the version where we ask about Afghan refugees, the proportion of respondents agreeing that we should help dropped by a staggering 21% to 50%. The difference is statistically significant and shows a specific, rather than universal, feeling of responsibility among the UK public.

We investigated this interesting gap by comparing the responses we got for a series of political and demographic groups. The gap between support for helping refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan is at its largest for those respondents who voted Conservative at the last general election. Of all Conservative voters, 67% thought we should let refugees come and stay in the UK, compared with 65% when we used the Ukraine frame, and only 36% with the Afghanistan frame.

This is not to say we didnt find a gap with Labour voters, but it was much smaller. In this group, 81% said that the UK should let refugees come and stay, compared to 82% for those who received the Ukraine question, and 76% with the Afghanistan frame.

Overall, there is a 21% gap for the general population, which grows to 31% for Conservative voters, and shrinks to 5% for Labour voters.

The smallest gap is observed among young respondents aged 18 to 24. In this group, 58% thought we should help when asked with the neutral frame, 60% with the Ukraine frame, and 59% with the Afghanistan frame. So, while the gap is almost gone, support levels for helping refugees, in general, were also lower than for older groups in our sample.

For all those optimist proponents of a reawakening public spirit favouring international cooperation and solidarity in the face of conflicts, pandemics or perhaps even climate change, these results are a reminder that there are limits beyond surface shifts in the public mood.

The war in Ukraine has clearly prompted British people to think about their role in helping those who suffer and to build a fairer world. But charities, NGOs, and governments, through their efforts, are apparently still not able to bridge the gap in the publics mind between the specific case of Ukraine and the broader cause of helping all those afflicted by conflicts worldwide.

To better understand what is driving the sense of exceptionalism regarding Ukraine, we might look to the higher levels of media attention that are currently being given to the crisis there. Another factor may be a perceived cultural or social nearness to Ukrainians (or, conversely, a sense of distance from or even racism towards Afghan refugees). Its also possible that British people are more open to helping Ukrainians because their plight leaves them with a stronger sense that something similar could happen to them.

Thinking it could be me will move many to take action, but it wont give us the chance to engender the radical change in our care for all people around the world. Once the emergency is over in Ukraine, the work to make the world a place without suffering will still go on.

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Ukraine: survey shows British people, and especially Tory voters, feel very differently about some refugees than others - The Conversation

This week, the countries of the NATO alliance as well as observer nations such as Australia and Japan met in Madrid for their annual summit.

These meetings are expressions of unity within the alliance. For many years, while they have featured important discussions, the alliance has largely been in search of a purpose.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine appears to provide a renewed sense of unity and purpose. It has saved the alliance from becoming the "brain dead" institution that Emmanuel Macron described it as in 2019.

There were two important outcomes from this year's summit. First, the accession protocols for Finland and Sweden to join NATO were endorsed by the members of the alliance, after overcoming Turkish concerns.

It is highly unlikely these two nations would have joined the alliance without Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. It is yet another of the consequences that Putin surely did not anticipate when planning his lightning war on his southern neighbour.

The second key outcome of the summit, and perhaps the more crucial, was the agreement to a new strategic concept. The NATO Strategic Concept, issued periodically since 1949, describes how NATO and its constituent nations will respond to the challenges, opportunities, and threats to their security and defence.

The development of the new concept was an outcome of the 2021 NATO Summit and is the first update of the NATO Strategic Concept since 2010. This new version is a recognition of the fundamental changes in the global security environment in the past decade.

Recognising that the Euro-Atlantic area is "not at peace", Russian aggression is described as central to the security challenges of contemporary Europe.

Like previous documents, the concept also recognises other transnational threats including terrorism and climate change.

And for the first time, China is included as striving "to subvert the rules-based international order, including in the space, cyber & maritime domains".

The concept also acknowledges the alignment of Russia and China as a threat that is "counter to our values and interests".

The new strategic concept will have impacts on European nations, as well as the conduct of the war in Ukraine. And, it will even have an influence on Indo-Pacific security and the security of Australia.

For Europe, the agreement on these strategic challenges must drive greater investment in the military, intelligence, and industrial aspects of European defence. Many members of NATO are yet to spend even 2 per cent of GDP on their defence, having relied on the Americans for several generations.

However, the nature and scale of the threats posed by Russia, China and climate change means that every nation will need to increase their spending.

Germany, as Europe's largest economy (and spending only 1.44 per cent of GDP on defence), must lead the way in this regard. If Germany, Italy, Canada, and other small spenders don't step up financially, this new Strategic Concept is dead on arrival.

For Ukraine, there are several potential outcomes of the summit and the new concept. In the short term, it provides the strategic narrative that underpins support to Ukraine. Additionally, the summit declaration also reaffirms NATO's "Open Door Policy".

This holds out hope for new members joining NATO's alliance. Not yet Ukraine, but perhaps even this is possible in the future.

The invigoration of NATO at the summit is also good for Ukraine in the medium to long term. It will hopefully result in increased investment in European industrial capacity, which will underpin Ukraine's transition from a Soviet equipped military to a NATO standard.

By any measure, this is a massive undertaking. Even in peacetime, this transition to NATO equipment and munitions would be a challenge. Doing so while defending against Russia is extraordinarily difficult.

The support from NATO from its military stocks and from enhanced industrial production will be critical for Ukraine.

Finally, what of the impact on Australia of the NATO summit and its new strategic concept? The presence of Australia was recognition of our nation as an important security partner for NATO.

The inclusion of China as a threat in the strategic concept is an acknowledgement of Australia's resistance to Chinese coercion and military aggression.

Importantly, NATO has accepted that threats to European security don't just manifest on its borders. While China might be geographically distant from Europe, it's economic, military, intelligence and propaganda expansion in the past two decades is now viewed as a threat to Europe's democratic systems.

Because of this, we should expect to see greater engagement of NATO countries in our region beyond the US, France, and the UK.

This year's NATO summit, and its new strategic concept, represent a reinvigoration of the alliance. It now possesses renewed purpose for the 21st century.

NATO has a clear focus on deterring and responding to the coercion and military aggression of the techno-authoritarian regimes in Europe and Asia.

Let's hope that action and finances accompany the fine words of last week.

The future of Ukraine, Europe and the democracies of the Indo-Pacific will depend on it.

Mick Ryan is a strategist and recently retired Australian Army major general. He served in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, and as a strategist on the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff. His first book, War Transformed, is about 21st century warfare.

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Russia's invasion of Ukraine has renewed NATO but the future depends on what comes next - ABC News

Wimbledon and the LTA are to appeal against hefty fines imposed on them by the Womens Tennis Association for their decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players this year in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club, confirmed on Monday that Wimbledon has begun appeal proceedings against its fine, of $750,000, while the LTA, which also banned Russian and Belarusian players from Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne in the build up to the Championships, is understood to be appealing against its $250,000 fine.

We have appealed. It is the subject of a legal process, Bolton told a briefing at Wimbledon on Monday. We [Wimbledon and the LTA] are separate organisations, so we have been fined separately and we are addressing it separately.

In response to Wimbledons decision to enforce the ban on Russian and Belarusians, which meant players such as the mens world No 1, Daniil Medvedev, could not play, the WTA and the mens governing body, the Association of Tennis Professionals decided to remove ranking points from Wimbledon. It is not known if the ATP is also to issue fines of its own against Wimbledon and/or the LTA.

Wimbledon stand by the decision we made, Bolton said. Were deeply disappointed at the reaction of the tours to that decision. We thought really long and hard about that decision. It was an incredibly difficult and challenging decision to make. It was not taken lightly. We thought carefully about the ramifications of taking it. But it was absolutely the right decision.

For us, it was the only viable option in the context of the government guidance in place. We accept that others will take a different view, but we absolutely stand by the decision.

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Wimbledon to appeal against WTA fine for banning players over Ukraine war - The Guardian

Pope Francis looks on during an exclusive interview with Reuters, at the Vatican, July 2, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

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KYIV, July 4 (Reuters) - Ukraine renews its invitation for Pope Francis to visit Ukraine and urges the pontiff to continue praying for the Ukrainian people, a Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

"It is time to deepen connections with those who sincerely desire it. We renew the invitation to Pope Francis to visit our country and urge you to continue praying for the Ukrainian people," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said when asked for comment about an interview Francis gave to Reuters.

The pope said in the interview that he hoped he would be able to go to Moscow and Kyiv after a trip to Canada as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine. read more

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Reporting by Max HunderWriting by Alexander Winning; Editing by Jon Boyle

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Ukraine renews its invitation for Pope Francis to visit - Foreign Ministry - Reuters

"La! You are so strange! But I must tell you how it went off. We were married, you know, at St. Clement's, because Wickham's lodgings were in that parish. And it was settled that we should all be there by eleven o'clock. My uncle and aunt and I were to go together; and the others were to meet us at the church. Well, Monday morning came, and I was in such a fuss! I was so afraid, you know, that something would happen to put it off, and then I should have gone quite distracted. And there was my aunt, all the time I was dressing, preaching and talking away just as if she was reading a sermon. However, I did not hear above one word in ten, for I was thinking, you may suppose, of my dear Wickham. I longed to know whether he would be married in his blue coat. "

"Oh, yes!--he was to come there with Wickham, you know. But gracious me! I quite forgot! I ought not to have said a word about it. I promised them so faithfully! What will Wickham say? It was to be such a secret!"

"Gracechurch street, Sept. 6.

"Gracechurch street, Sept. 6.

"I have just received your letter, and shall devote this whole morning to answering it, as I foresee that a LITTLE writing will not comprise what I have to tell you. I must confess myself surprised by your application; I did not expect it from YOU. Don't think me angry, however, for I only mean to let you know that I had n

"La! You are so strange! But I must tell you how it went off. We were married, you know, at St. Clement's, because Wickham's lodgings were in that parish. And it was settled that we should all be there by eleven o'clock. My uncle and aunt and I were to go together; and the others were to meet us at the church. Well, Monday morning came, and I was in such a fuss! I was so afraid, you know, that something would happen to put it off, and then I should have gone quite distracted. And there was my aunt, all the time I was dressing, preaching and talking away just as if she was reading a sermon. However, I did not hear above one word in ten, for I was thinking, you may suppose, of my dear Wickham. I longed to know whether he would be married in his blue coat. "

"Gracechurch street, Sept. 6.

"Oh! certainly, " said Elizabeth, though burning with curiosity; "we will ask you no questions. "

Jane's delicate sense of honour would not allow her to speak to Elizabeth privately of what Lydia had let fall; Elizabeth was glad of it;--till it appeared whether her inquiries would receive any satisfaction, she had rather be without a confidante.

"Oh, yes!--he was to come there with Wickham, you know. But gracious me! I quite forgot! I ought not to have said a word about it. I promised them so faithfully! What will Wickham say? It was to be such a secret!"

"Well, and so we breakfasted at ten as usual; I thought it would never be over; for, by the bye, you are to understand, that my uncle and aunt were horrid unpleasant all the time I was with them. If you'll believe me, I did not once put my foot out of doors, though I was there a fortnight. Not one party, or scheme, or anything. To be sure London was rather thin, but, however, the Little Theatre was open. Well, and so just as the carriage came to the door, my uncle was called away upon business to that horrid man Mr. Stone. And then, you know, when once they get together, there is no end of it. Well, I was so frightened I did not know what to do, for my uncle was to give me away; and if we were beyond the hour, we could not be married all day. But, luckily, he came back again in ten minutes' time, and then we all set out. However, I recollected afterwards that if he had been prevented going, the wedding need not be put off, for Mr. Darcy might have done as well. "

Elizabeth had the satisfaction of receiving an answer to her letter as soon as she possibly could. She was no sooner in possession of it than, hurrying into the little copse, where she was least likely to be interrupted, she sat down on one of the benches and prepared to be happy; for the length of the letter convinced her that it did not contain a denial.

"Oh! certainly, " said Elizabeth, though burning with curiosity; "we will ask you no questions. "

"You may readily comprehend, " she added, "what my curiosity must be to know how a person unconnected with any of us, and (comparatively speaking) a stranger to our family, should have been amongst you at such a time. Pray write instantly, and let me understand it--unless it is, for very cogent reasons, to remain in the secrecy which Lydia seems to think necessary; and then I must endeavour to be satisfied with ignorance. "

"Well, and so we breakfasted at ten as usual; I thought it would never be over; for, by the bye, you are to understand, that my uncle and aunt were horrid unpleasant all the time I was with them. If you'll believe me, I did not once put my foot out of doors, though I was there a fortnight. Not one party, or scheme, or anything. To be sure London was rather thin, but, however, the Little Theatre was open. Well, and so just as the carriage came to the door, my uncle was called away upon business to that horrid man Mr. Stone. And then, you know, when once they get together, there is no end of it. Well, I was so frightened I did not know what to do, for my uncle was to give me away; and if we were beyond the hour, we could not be married all day. But, luckily, he came back again in ten minutes' time, and then we all set out. However, I recollected afterwards that if he had been prevented going, the wedding need not be put off, for Mr. Darcy might have done as well. "

"I have just received your letter, and shall devote this whole morning to answering it, as I foresee that a LITTLE writing will not comprise what I have to tell you. I must confess myself surprised by your application; I did not expect it from YOU. Don't think me angry, however, for I only mean to let you know that I had n

Chapter 52

Chapter 52

"Oh, yes!--he was to come there with Wickham, you know. But gracious me! I quite forgot! I ought not to have said a word about it. I promised them so faithfully! What will Wickham say? It was to be such a secret!"

"Oh! certainly, " said Elizabeth, though burning with curiosity; "we will ask you no questions. "

"You may readily comprehend, " she added, "what my curiosity must be to know how a person unconnected with any of us, and (comparatively speaking) a stranger to our family, should have been amongst you at such a time. Pray write instantly, and let me understand it--unless it is, for very cogent reasons, to remain in the secrecy which Lydia seems to think necessary; and then I must endeavour to be satisfied with ignorance. "

"I have just received your letter, and shall devote this whole morning to answering it, as I foresee that a LITTLE writing will not comprise what I have to tell you. I must confess myself surprised by your application; I did not expect it from YOU. Don't think me angry, however, for I only mean to let you know that I had n

"I have just received your letter, and shall devote this whole morning to answering it, as I foresee that a LITTLE writing will not comprise what I have to tell you. I must confess myself surprised by your application; I did not expect it from YOU. Don't think me angry, however, for I only mean to let you know that I had n

Chapter 52

"Not that I SHALL, though, " she added to herself, as she finished the letter; "and my dear aunt, if you do not tell me in an honourable manner, I shall certainly be reduced to tricks and stratagems to find it out. "

Jane's delicate sense of honour would not allow her to speak to Elizabeth privately of what Lydia had let fall; Elizabeth was glad of it;--till it appeared whether her inquiries would receive any satisfaction, she had rather be without a confidante.

"Gracechurch street, Sept. 6.

"La! You are so strange! But I must tell you how it went off. We were married, you know, at St. Clement's, because Wickham's lodgings were in that parish. And it was settled that we should all be there by eleven o'clock. My uncle and aunt and I were to go together; and the others were to meet us at the church. Well, Monday morning came, and I was in such a fuss! I was so afraid, you know, that something would happen to put it off, and then I should have gone quite distracted. And there was my aunt, all the time I was dressing, preaching and talking away just as if she was reading a sermon. However, I did not hear above one word in ten, for I was thinking, you may suppose, of my dear Wickham. I longed to know whether he would be married in his blue coat. "

"Mr. Darcy!" repeated Elizabeth, in utter amazement.

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