The majority of Russians now view Germany as a hostile nation, with the war in Ukraine and Berlin’s subsequent position being pivotal turning points.

“Germany was once popular in Russia. But due to its support for Ukraine, most Russians now see Germany as a hostile country. The decisive moment was the beginning of the war in Ukraine,” said Russian sociologist Lev Gudkov, head of the Levada Center, while presenting a survey conducted in Russia last May during an event in Berlin.

According to the survey’s findings, 62% of Russians hold a “bad” or “rather bad” opinion of Germany, whereas in 2019, the situation was the reverse, with 61% viewing the country positively.

Additionally, 64% of Russians today disapprove of Germany’s criticism of the war in Ukraine and its support for the country, while only 11% express understanding of Germany’s stance.

Gudkov commented that the “increased anti-German propaganda is clearly having an effect in Russia.”

The Levada Center, according to a report by Germany’s public broadcaster ARD, continues to operate independently but under pressure from Russian authorities. In 2016, Russian courts labeled it a “foreign agent.”