A recent poll conducted by YouGov reveals that a significant majority of Germans are in favor of direct negotiations between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The survey indicates that about 58% of respondents support such discussions, while a little over a quarter oppose the idea. The inclination towards dialogue is notably stronger among voters of Merz’s conservative political base, where support rises to 64%.

Chancellor Merz, however, has shown reluctance to engage in direct talks with Moscow, a stance that aligns with the broader EU response to the Ukraine conflict since its escalation in 2022. During remarks in Abu Dhabi, he emphasized his preference for negotiations that are framed within a trilateral context involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, rather than bilateral dialogues that could sideline other critical stakeholders.

The implications of this polling data highlight a potential rift between public opinion in Germany and the government’s current diplomatic stance. As support for dialogue grows among citizens, it raises questions about future foreign policy directions under Merz’s leadership and whether the government will recalibrate its approach in light of public sentiment regarding engagement with Russia on the Ukraine situation.