Unfriendly Face of the West: Russians Name Germany as Main Adversary
Citizens in Russia View Germany as Principal Adversary, According to Putin's Perspective - Russians Perceive Germany as Primarily Hostile Nation, According to Putin's Public
A shocking poll by the independent Moscow-based Levada Center has revealed that Russia perceives Germany as the most unfriendly nation, with 55% of respondents voicing their displeasure. This marks a staggering 40 percentage point increase since May 2020.
For two decades, the U.S. held the top spot, but now only 40% of Russians name the country - down from an impressive 76% last year. This significant downward trend can be attributed to the improved Russian-American relations under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Accusations Galore: German Slams Against Moscow
Meanwhile, criticism against Germany from the Russian leadership has intensified, predominantly due to Germany's arms deliveries to Ukraine, which is under Russian attack. The tension escalated further when German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) took office. The UK ranks second among countries viewed as hostile to Russia, with 49% of respondents, followed by Ukraine (43%).
In another representative poll, Russians were asked to name the five countries they have the closest and most friendly relations with. Unsurprisingly, neighboring Belarus ranked first with 80%, followed by China (66%). Kazaakhstan came in third (36%), followed by India (32%) and North Korea (30%).
Propaganda: Manipulating the Minds
The survey results echo the Kremlin's official policy of categorizing countries as either friendly or hostile, particularly towards Germany, which was once a major importer of Russian gas in the EU. The current negative sentiment towards Germany can be attributed to Kremlin-led propaganda, which portrays Western countries, including Germany, in a negative light, and highlights its military support for Ukraine as hostile action.
The Levada Center conducted the representative poll between May 22 and 28, surveying 1,613 people aged 18 and over.
[1] This shift in opinion could be influenced by the Kremlin's ongoing campaign to manipulate public opinion against Western countries, particularly Germany. [2] Economic sanctions and political tensions over Ukraine have exacerbated the negative feelings towards Germany among the Russian population. [3] The improvement in Russian-American relations under Trump may have reduced the focus on the U.S., allowing Germany to rise as the most unfriendly nation in the eyes of Russians.
- The shift in opinion towards Germany as the most unfriendly nation among Russians could be influenced by the Kremlin's ongoing campaign to manipulate public opinion, as part of their community policy.
- Economic sanctions and political tensions over Ukraine, coupled with the Kremlin-led propaganda that portrays Western countries, including Germany, in a negative light, have likely contributed to the escalating negative feelings towards Germany in Russia's employment policy and general-news discourse.
