In a striking shift amid the ongoing Ukraine war and mounting tensions with NATO, Germany has now overtaken the US and Britain as the top perceived enemy of Russia, according to a recent nationwide survey. The development reflects a deep change in Russian public sentiment — one shaped by military support for Ukraine, economic sanctions, and echoes of World War II history.

Survey: Germany Now Russia's Enemy No. 1

A survey by the Moscow-based Levada Center interviewed 1,613 Russians between May 22 and May 28, revealing:

• 55% see Germany as Russia’s biggest enemy

• 49% said Britain

• 43% mentioned Ukraine, despite the ongoing war

• 40% pointed to the United States

This is the first time Germany has topped the list, with its number jumping sharply from just 15% in 2020.

Why the Rising Hostility Toward Germany?

1. Military Role in Ukraine War:
Germany has provided Ukraine with tanks, air defense systems, artillery, and military training — breaking from its post-WWII policy of military restraint.

2. Economic Sanctions:
Germany was a key player in EU-led sanctions against Moscow. It cut long-standing energy ties and backed moves that deeply hurt the Russian economy.

3. Nord Stream Sabotage Reaction:
After the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions, Berlin’s stance was seen in Russia as passive or complicit, which further damaged trust.

4. Olaf Scholz’s Statements:
The German chancellor publicly labeled Russia as the "biggest threat to European security," strengthening the perception of Germany as a hostile state.

Historical Shadow: From Allies to Adversaries

The bitter memories of Hitler’s Nazi Germany invading the Soviet Union in 1941, causing over 27 million Soviet deaths, remain fresh in Russia’s national memory. Despite improved trade ties after the Cold War, especially in energy, the Ukraine war has revived historical fears and deep-rooted animosity.

What Germans Think of Russia

The sentiment is mutual. In Germany:

• 79% see Russia as a threat to world peace

• 66% see Russia as a national security and economic threat

• 54% support continued aid to Ukraine

• 67% back military support

This reflects a hardening stance on both sides, suggesting a lasting break in ties.

Traditional Rivals: Russia vs. Britain

Although Britain is historically seen as a rival — especially during the 19th-century Great Game over Central Asia and during the Cold War — it now ranks second in the enemy list. Britain’s arms support to Ukraine and firm sanctions against Russia have kept tensions alive, but Russia’s anger toward Germany appears more personal and emotional.

Why Not the US Anymore?

Interestingly, anti-American sentiment has declined. Experts attribute this to:

• A sense of predictability in US-Russia rivalry

• The Trump effect, where some Russians viewed Donald Trump more favorably

• Germany’s role being perceived as a "betrayal by a friend", rather than an old foe acting as expected

Conclusion: Emotional Betrayal Over Military Threat

While military actions matter, Russia’s public now seems more emotionally impacted by perceived betrayal, especially from Germany, once a major economic partner. The growing divide reflects a complex mix of history, war, diplomacy, and nationalism — marking a new chapter in Russia’s shifting worldview.