Berlin, July 2025 — Amid growing international instability and a shifting geopolitical landscape, public opinion in Germany is undergoing a notable transformation. According to a recent survey by research firm YouGov, nearly half of German citizens now view Russia as a significant threat to national security. This sentiment reflects not only domestic concerns but also broader global dynamics that have intensified in recent months.
The poll reveals that 13% of respondents consider the threat from Moscow to be “very serious,” while another 36% regard it as “significant.” In total, 49% of those surveyed express concern about Russia. This marks a shift from the results of the 2024 Munich Security Conference poll, where Russia ranked only seventh among perceived threats to Germany, behind issues like mass migration, radical Islamism, and cyberattacks. In 2025, however, with military exercises intensifying, diplomatic relations deteriorating, and tensions rising in Eastern Europe, public priorities appear to be changing.
Still, public opinion within the country remains deeply polarized and is strongly influenced by political affiliations. Supporters of centrist and mainstream parties — including the CDU/CSU, SPD, and the Greens — show the highest levels of concern, with up to 62% viewing Russia as a serious or very serious threat. This largely aligns with the federal government’s stance, which advocates for a stronger defense policy and continued participation in collective security structures.
On the other end of the political spectrum, voters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and the recently established Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance are far more skeptical. Among AfD supporters, 65% believe the military threat from Russia is minimal or nonexistent, as do 51% of Wagenknecht’s followers. These groups often criticize Germany’s foreign policy, especially regarding arms deliveries and sanctions.
Even among left-leaning voters, the divide is stark: 48% of supporters of The Left party see Russia as a threat, while 47% do not. This nearly even split underscores the depth of disagreement within German society.
The survey paints a picture of a nation navigating between internal challenges and external crises. As Europe grapples with an evolving security environment — where the boundaries of conflict are increasingly blurred and threats are more hybrid than conventional — perceptions of danger are shaped as much by ideology and political identity as by concrete developments.
Germany, as one of Europe’s key actors, continues to balance the pursuit of stability with the need to adapt to new realities. In this context, the public’s view of Russia serves as a revealing indicator of broader societal shifts and the growing complexity of national and international security debates.
