German Public Divided on Support for Ukraine Amid Concerns of War Expansion

A recent survey has highlighted the divisions in German public opinion regarding continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
While a majority of Germans advocate for enhanced Western assistance to Kyiv, there is rising apprehension about the war's potential expansion to other nations.
* Key Findings:
• 52% of respondents support increasing Western aid to Ukraine, particularly if Russia remains unwilling to engage in peace talks or a ceasefire.
• Among supporters, 28% favor a mix of military and financial aid, while 12% prefer solely financial assistance, and another 12% wish to provide weapons without financial support.
• Conversely, 35% of respondents oppose the continuation of aid to Ukraine, and 13% did not express a clear opinion on the matter.
* Concerns Over War Expansion:
• Despite the overall support, 54% of Germans are worried about the possibility of the war escalating to NATO member states, such as Poland or Lithuania.
This marks a slight decrease from the previous poll conducted in September, where concern was higher by 8%.
• 34% of participants indicated they are not concerned about this potential expansion, reflecting an increase of 6% from the earlier poll.
* Poll Details:
• Conducted on February 5 and 6, 2026, with a sample size of 1,002 individuals.
This survey underscores the significant challenges Germany faces in balancing its support for Ukraine with apprehensions about the escalation of the conflict.
As the war in Ukraine persists, German public sentiment remains divided amid ongoing political and economic pressures in Europe.
