Germans Now Seen as Russia’s Top Enemy in Dramatic Shift

Russia’s Public Opinion Turns Sharply Against Germany

A new survey conducted by Russia’s only independent polling institute, the Levada Center, reveals a dramatic change in Russian public perception of international relations. For the first time in over a decade, Germany is now seen by a majority of Russians as the most hostile nation toward their country. According to data collected from May 22 to 28, 55 percent of respondents named Germany as a leading adversary. This marks a significant departure from previous years, when the United States consistently topped the list.

In second and third place in the new rankings are the United Kingdom (49 percent) and Ukraine (43 percent), respectively. The United States, previously viewed as the principal enemy of Russia by 76 percent of those surveyed in 2024, has now dropped to just 40 percent. This shift coincides with the return of Donald Trump to the White House and a perceived realignment in Washington’s stance on the war in Ukraine.

Trump Presidency Alters Russian Sentiment

One of the key reasons cited for the sudden decline in anti-American sentiment among Russians is the policy shift under the Trump administration. Unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, Trump has consistently questioned U.S. military and intelligence support for Ukraine. He has publicly blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for escalating the conflict and even humiliated him during a televised meeting at the White House in February. Shortly after that encounter, Trump posted on his own social media platform that Zelenskyy could return “when he is ready for peace”—a statement that found a positive reception among many in Russia.

The result has been a significant boost in Russia’s favorable view of the United States. In March, the number of Russians expressing a positive opinion of the U.S. reportedly doubled. The timing of this sentiment shift matches closely with the Levada survey, reinforcing the link between Washington’s evolving policy and Moscow’s public mood.

Germany Emerges as a Target of Hostility

In contrast to the changing views on the U.S., Germany’s reputation has sharply deteriorated among the Russian public. The Levada survey suggests that many Russians now associate Germany with aggressive hostility toward their nation. This view has been shaped in part by Berlin’s firm support for Ukraine, including military aid, sanctions on Russia, and vocal condemnation of the war.

While Washington has softened its rhetoric under Trump, Germany has maintained a consistent position in backing Kyiv. Analysts believe this steady stance has elevated Germany’s profile in Russian state media as a symbol of European resistance to Moscow’s actions. Combined with widespread anti-Western narratives on television and online platforms, public sentiment has followed suit.

Trusted Allies: Belarus, China, and North Korea

The same survey also asked Russians which countries they considered to be their nation’s closest friends. Belarus ranked highest, with 80 percent of respondents naming it a key ally. China followed with 64 percent, India with 32 percent, and North Korea with 30 percent.

The growing admiration for North Korea in particular is striking. Compared to the previous year, the percentage of Russians viewing the regime in Pyongyang as an ally has doubled. Observers note that this may be connected to reports of North Korean soldiers being deployed to support Russian forces in Ukraine—a detail widely covered by state-affiliated media.

Levada Center Faces Government Pressure

The Levada Center, which conducted the poll, has operated under intense scrutiny for years. In 2016, it was labeled a “foreign agent” under Russia’s controversial legislation aimed at organizations with perceived ties to international funding. Despite these challenges, the institute remains one of the few credible sources for tracking Russian public opinion.

Its methodology, based on direct interviews with 1,613 Russian citizens across the country, provides insight into evolving national attitudes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Though the results do not reflect official state policy, they highlight how public perception continues to shift in response to international developments and domestic propaganda.

A New Axis of Distrust

The survey results mark a new chapter in how Russians view the world beyond their borders. With Germany replacing the U.S. as the primary adversary in the eyes of the public, the focus of hostility has clearly moved toward Europe. Meanwhile, favorable views toward autocratic allies are rising sharply, revealing a deeper ideological and political alignment taking shape in Russia’s external relationships.

As the war in Ukraine grinds on and diplomatic divisions deepen, these trends in public opinion could further influence Russia’s approach to the West—and possibly shape policy decisions in Moscow. The shift in sentiment may also complicate efforts at engagement or diplomacy between European capitals and the Kremlin, especially as support for Ukraine remains a defining factor in Western-Russian relations.