Europe's unified welcome of Ukrainian refugees exposes 'double standard' for nonwhite asylum seekers: Experts

Europe’s embrace of Ukrainian refugees starkly contrasts with a largely hostile response to refugees and asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East.

Before Russian attacks on Ukraine led to mass displacement, Europe was already grappling with the Syrian refugee crisis – an issue that had bitterly divided European Union nations in recent years over what to do with the 1.1 million Syrians who sought refuge in Europe.

Meanwhile, neighboring European nations have swiftly met the influx of more than 2 million Ukrainian refugees since Russia's invasion on Feb. 24 with a united show of solidarity.

Although it is unclear if disagreements over burden-sharing will follow, according to those who study migration in Europe, experts say Ukrainian refugees face a more welcoming environment because they are white.

Andrew Geddes, Director of the Migration Policy Centre, told ABC News that there's a stark contrast between Europe's "very warm welcome" of Ukrainian refugees, compared to the largely "hostile" response to Syrians and other asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East.