The Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused an increase in refugees. However, there has been a double standard in sympathy from the EU countries. The Roma were facing violence before the war broke out. The growing power of neo-Nazi and authoritarian right groups has only exacerbated racism. Ethnic Russians in Ukraine were not the only ones attacked by far-right extremists in the Donbas. Roma have been targeted and made scapegoats. African and Asian people in Ukraine were also subject to racism when attempting to flee warzones. The European Union has done little to help the non-white refugees to escape the war torn country. The lack of media coverage related to these human rights abuses reveals a case of worthy and unworthy victims. President Zelensky has not even acknowledged Roma concerns in Ukraine. The dramatic rise in far-right extremism in Eastern Europe began with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Ever since then, Eastern European states have developed a growing xenophobia and prejudice. The Roma who are able to flee or reach a safe area still face racial discrimination. Europe has never been accepting of the Roma people. If nothing is done to improve conditions, the EU will further lose credibility. The Roma might awaken across Europe in a new form of political consciousness as a result of longtime persecution.
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