Public opinion in Germany remains nuanced regarding the potential integration of Ukraine into Western alliances and the path towards a resolution of the ongoing conflict. Recent polling data from a Forsa survey commissioned by RTL and ntv indicates a cautious approach from the German public.
Only 19 percent of respondents favor a swift accession of Ukraine to NATO. A larger proportion, 45 percent, express support for a longer-term path toward NATO membership, while 31 percent fundamentally oppose Ukraine joining the alliance. Resistance to NATO membership is particularly pronounced in eastern Germany and among supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Support for potential EU membership for Ukraine is comparatively higher. 18 percent of those surveyed would welcome a rapid integration, with 56 percent advocating for a long-term accession process. Only 23 percent fundamentally reject the prospect of Ukraine joining the European Union, suggesting broader public acceptance of EU integration than NATO membership.
Regarding potential contributions to a peace settlement, approximately half of Germans indicate willingness to participate in an international mission. 49 percent of respondents would support the deployment of German soldiers as part of a European peacekeeping force, while 45 percent oppose such a deployment. Skepticism is again more prevalent in eastern Germany, contrasting with strong support among voters aligned with the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party.
The survey also reveals a divided public opinion on potential concessions to Russia as part of a peace agreement. 52 percent of respondents believe Ukraine should consider ceding occupied territories to achieve an end to the conflict, while 41 percent disagree. Support for territorial concessions is notably higher in eastern Germany and among AfD supporters, whereas voters of the CDU/CSU and Green Party are more likely to oppose such concessions.
