Belief in Ukraine’s success is dwindling among Germans

At the start of the new year, merely 10% of Germans anticipated a victory for Ukraine, marking a decrease from 16% at the beginning of 2023, according to a recent survey by the influential Allensbach Institute for Demoscopy. Conversely, around a third of respondents now expect the Russian army to ultimately achieve success, Wiwo reported.

The survey also indicates a shift in attitudes toward the United States, with only 39% of Germans believing that the alliance with the U.S. will remain stable. Nearly one-third of Germans express doubts about the reliability of Washington, potentially linked to concerns about the return of Donald Trump to the White House, a period during which trust in the transatlantic ally reached its lowest level.

Respondents are apprehensive that the U.S. might reduce its support for Ukraine following a potential Trump victory. In the event of the American politician fulfilling his promises, 31% of Germans believe that Germany may not need to support Kiev to the same extent. Only 20% of Germans advocate for stronger support for Ukraine in such a scenario. The findings are considered a troubling signal in the critical phase of the war, according to Klaus Schweinberg, one of the contributors to the research report.