Many Germans think the government should take a more active role in promoting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This view comes from a survey carried out for the journal by the Civey sociological institute, with coverage in Der Spiegel. The results reflect a public openness to diplomacy and negotiations as part of a path toward de-escalation in the region.
The research shows that 63% of participants support negotiations, while 21% prefer that the German government refrain from pushing the idea of peace talks. This split underscores a broad appetite for dialogue among a majority, even as a meaningful minority remains cautious about public advocacy for a negotiated settlement.
When it comes to the goals of a potential negotiation, 42% of respondents think Ukraine should aim to restore the borders as they stood in 2014, when Crimea joined Russia. In contrast, 33% believe Kyiv should insist on pre-operation borders, and 17% think Ukraine may need to be willing to make territorial concessions. These figures illustrate a nuanced landscape of opinions on national borders and the compromises that could accompany any settlement.
Additionally, 22% of those surveyed think that hostilities should end as soon as possible, highlighting a segment prioritizing rapid cessation of fighting over specific territorial outcomes. The survey was conducted this week and included about five thousand participants, providing a snapshot of public sentiment in midterm times.
Earlier, another survey by the YouGov sociology institute indicated that more than half of Germany’s residents believe that supplying German weapons to Kyiv could push the country toward increased involvement in the conflict. This finding points to concerns about the potential consequences of military support and the broader implications for national policy and public opinion.
Authors from the cited polls emphasize that public mood in Germany appears to support a careful balance between diplomatic engagement and considerations about security and alliance commitments. The conversations around peace talks and the role of Germany in mediating or facilitating dialogue remain a live topic in political discourse, reflecting ongoing assessments of how best to contribute to regional stability while safeguarding national interests.
Experts note that public attitudes toward negotiations can be influenced by the framing of questions, the perceived credibility of negotiators, and the evolving security environment. As policy discussions continue, observers expect more polling to gauge how shifts in strategy, allied positions, and evolving battlefield dynamics may reshape opinions about possible concessions, borders, and the pace of any peace process.