Narrowing the Gap: Convergence of German and Polish Public Attitudes towards the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

Abstract

The annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia and the Russian-Ukrainian military conflict have triggered varied reactions in Europe. Although in response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine the Western governments have imposed limited individual and economic sanctions and the EU has managed to speak in one voice there, agreeing common position was not easy. The survey results demonstrate that despite a popular perception of Poles as Russophobes and of Germans – as Russophiles, and thus an expected difference of attitudes towards the ongoing events in the two societies, we observe considerable convergence of opinions in both countries. This is not to say that Polish and German public opinions are unanimous regarding the conflict. On the contrary, both German and Polish societies are internally divided with regard to the assessment of current events, their roots and consequences as well as the required response on the part of the EU. Yet, we observe a toning down of considerable differences along national lines. Moreover, both Poles and Germans agree that the relations between their countries with Russia are bad; are generally critical towards Russia’s policy vis-à-vis Ukraine and support sanctions against Russia and economic aid for Ukraine. At the same time, both Germans and Poles oppose providing military aid to Ukraine as well as are afraid of refugee flows from Ukraine in case of lifting the visa requirement for Ukrainians. All in all, the belief that Poles and Germans have completely opposite views on the Russian- -Ukrainian conflict is not reflected in the public opinion survey results.