Political scientist Alexander Rahr assessed the split in German society on the issue of support for Ukraine

There remains a deep split in Germany on the issue of support for Ukraine, and no changes should be expected in the rhetoric of Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the near future. This opinion was expressed in a conversation with NSN by German political scientist Alexander Rahr.

“In eastern Germany, people really want a diplomatic solution to the conflict - they are tired of all this, and they demand an end to aid to Ukraine. But in the West they still believe that Kyiv has a chance to win the war and needs help,” Rahr said. According to his assessment, public opinion in the country was divided approximately 50/50.

The political scientist noted that the situation in Germany is highly ideological. “Not a day goes by without the Ukrainian topic being the main one, and 90 percent of the main media outlets support Ukraine. It’s like a holy war for them,” he added.

Rahr also ruled out changes in Merz's rhetoric. “He says that if the economic situation in Germany worsens, perhaps in the winter, then Germany will indeed find itself in a deep energy crisis. He is afraid of this situation, because then he will have to change his rhetoric and negotiate with Russia,” the expert explained.