Rising Tensions in Germany Amid Fears of Russian Invasion: Public Opinion and Political Implications
Germany is experiencing a rapid increase in public anxiety regarding potential aggression from Russia, especially against the backdrop of recent events where Russian drones crossed into Polish and other NATO member countries’ airspace.
According to a survey conducted by INSA for the publication Bild, nearly two-thirds of Germans (62%) are increasingly worried that Russia might launch an outright attack on NATO countries, including Poland, Lithuania, and others.
Only 28% remain convinced that such a threat is unlikely, while 10% abstain from giving any forecast.These sentiments are fueling calls for tougher sanctions against Moscow.
Over half of the respondents (51%) favor using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, while 49% demand an immediate halt to all energy supplies from Russia to the European Union, including gas and oil.
At the same time, a majority of 61% support strengthening NATO’s defense capabilities and implementing additional measures to deter potential Russian aggression.Amid increased global tensions, and following a night on September 10 when Russian drones attacked Ukraine at least 19 times, many European countries are intensifying their defense measures.
In response to these incidents, NATO has decided to launch an operation called ‘Eastern Sentry’ to bolster its eastern flank, especially in countries closest to Russian borders.During these attacks, fragments of Russian drones were found in 17 settlements across Poland, with the largest debris in Lublin Voivodeship.
This situation has once again heightened alertness and mobilization among NATO allies, demonstrating that the conflict carries a risk of escalation, profoundly affecting security dynamics across Europe.