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East vs. West: Germany’s Divided Views on Russia’s War in Ukraine

Why do nearly one in five Germans justify Russia’s war? Historical bonds and political frustrations fuel a surprising divide—especially in the east.

In this image I can see number of poles, number of buildings, lights, clouds and the sky in the...
In this image I can see number of poles, number of buildings, lights, clouds and the sky in the background. I can also see reflection of these poles over here.

East vs. West: Germany’s Divided Views on Russia’s War in Ukraine

A recent study has uncovered notable differences in German attitude towards Russia, particularly between eastern and western regions. The findings reveal that nearly one in five Germans now views Russia’s war in Ukraine as a justified response to NATO actions. These attitudes appear more pronounced in the east, where historical ties and current political frustrations shape opinions.

Focus group discussions highlighted several factors behind pro-Russia sentiment. Many in eastern Germany cited gratitude for Moscow’s role in German reunification. Others pointed to dissatisfaction with Germany’s domestic and foreign policies as a reason for leaning towards Russian viewpoints. Age, gender, and education also played a part in shaping these attitudes.

The research underscores a regional divide in German perceptions of Russia. Eastern states exhibit stronger pro-Russian sentiment, driven by historical ties and political frustrations. These findings may impact future policy discussions and public debates on Germany’s relationship with Russia.

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