Germans Majority Support Ceding Ukraine Territory to Russia, According to Poll
In a recent poll conducted by Forsa polling institute for RTL and ntv's "Trendbarometer" between August 8th and 11th, current public opinion in Germany reveals a significant division regarding territorial concessions by Ukraine to halt Russia's invasion.
The survey, which included 1,001 respondents, indicates that approximately 42% of Germans support Ukraine giving up parts of its territory to achieve peace. This suggests a notable portion of the German population is open to compromise in the conflict.
However, opposition to territorial concessions is particularly strong among supporters of the Greens (66%) and the Left (51%). The opinion about temporary territorial concessions to halt Russia's invasion remains largely unchanged from the spring of 2025 (54%).
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the frontline should be the starting point for territorial negotiations, aligning somewhat with NATO’s position and reflecting a willingness at the government leadership level to consider negotiations involving territorial adjustments. This suggests that some major political figures in Germany lean towards pragmatic diplomacy, including territorial concessions as part of a peace process.
The internal German debate reflects broader European concerns about the risks of ceding territory to an expansionist Russia. Historical fears echo memories like the 1938 Munich Agreement, where territorial concessions to an aggressive neighbor led to weakened defense and eventual collapse—cited as a cautionary analogy concerning Ukraine possibly giving up key defensive lines in the east.
The poll also reveals significant support for opposing territorial concessions among CDU/CSU (42%) and SPD (47%) supporters. Doubt about former US President Donald Trump's diplomatic influence is particularly pronounced among SPD (89%) and Green (89%) supporters, with only 20% of Germans thinking it is possible for Trump to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire.
Interestingly, a relative majority (35%) of AfD supporters believe in Trump's influence to persuade Putin, and support for territorial concessions is highest among AfD voters (86%).
In summary, the poll results indicate a divided opinion among Germans on the issue of territorial concessions by Ukraine to end the war. While some support the idea, significant opposition, particularly from the Greens, Left, SPD, and CDU/CSU, suggests a contentious and sensitive issue both politically and publicly in Germany.
- The poll reveals that 42% of Germans support Ukraine giving up parts of its territory to achieve peace, indicating a notable section of the population is open to compromises in the conflict.
- opposition to territorial concessions is particularly strong among supporters of the Greens (66%) and the Left (51%), suggesting a contentious and sensitive issue both politically and publicly in Germany.
