What's happened
A recent survey reveals a significant shift in Russian perceptions of hostility, with Germany now viewed as the most unfriendly country at 55%, while the U.S. has dropped to fourth place at 40%. This change follows the inauguration of President Trump and his approach to U.S.-Russia relations.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Germany's Rise: Germany's perception as the most hostile country has surged by 40 percentage points since May 2020, largely due to its military support for Ukraine.
- U.S. Decline: The U.S. has seen a dramatic drop in hostility perception, falling from 76% in 2024 to 40% this year, marking the first time it has not been the top enemy since 2012.
- Impact of Leadership: The change in U.S. perception correlates with President Trump's inauguration and his campaign promises to improve relations with Russia.
- Friendship Rankings: Belarus, China, and Kazakhstan remain the closest allies of Russia, reflecting a strategic pivot in foreign relations.
This shift indicates a potential realignment in international relations, with Russia possibly seeking to strengthen ties with nations perceived as friendly while distancing itself from traditional adversaries.
What the papers say
According to The Moscow Times, the Levada Center's survey indicates that 'the U.S. dropped from first to fourth on this list for the first time in 20 years of measurements.' This significant change is attributed to Trump's presidency, which has been portrayed by Russian state media as a potential thaw in U.S.-Russia relations. Conversely, the South China Morning Post highlights that Germany's military support for Ukraine has led to a hardened stance from Russia, with 55% of respondents now viewing it as the most unfriendly state. This juxtaposition of sources illustrates the complex dynamics at play in international perceptions and relationships.
How we got here
The survey conducted by the Levada Center highlights changing attitudes among Russians towards foreign nations, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and shifts in U.S. leadership.
Go deeper
- What factors contributed to the shift in U.S. perception?
- How does this affect Russia's foreign relations?
- What are the implications for Germany's role in Europe?
Common question
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What Factors Are Influencing Changing Perceptions of Hostility Toward Russia?
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central and Western Europe. Covering an area of 357,022 square kilometres, it lies between the Baltic and North seas to the north, and the Alps to the south.