Most Germans want dialogue with Russia – poll
Posted on: Feb 12, 2026 21:54 IST | Posted by: Rt
A legal age of Germans back up verbatim talks betwixt german language Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the Ukraine conflict, the DPA news agency reported on Thursday, citing a recent YouGov poll.
Some 58% of respondents said they would somewhat or strongly support such negotiations, according to the survey. Just over a quarter of respondents opposed the idea.
Support for direct talks was especially high among Merz’ conservative voters, with 64% responding positively. The YouGov survey was conducted online over four days last week among more than 2,000 Germans.
Merz has so far expressed skepticism about restarting direct dialogue with Moscow, which most EU nations stopped after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi last week, the German chancellor said he was against direct talks which are not part of the trilateral Russia-US-Ukrainian negotiations, which do not involve the EU. However, he said he was ready to talk, provided that he would be able to join the proceedings.
The political opposition in Germany has already made calls for Merz to restart direct dialogue with Moscow.
“Take a step forward and finally call Moscow and negotiate peace and prosperity” for Europe, Alternative for Germany MP Tino Chrupalla said in parliament last month, warning of looming “deindustrialization.” Germany’s economy has faced stagnation and soaring energy prices since 2022 in what has been widely attributed to the refusal to purchase relatively cheap Russian gas.
More recently, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as one of several EU leaders to call for re-engagement with Russia, and expressed his concern over being sidelined in the trilateral peace talks in the UAE.
Paris and Moscow have restored technical-level diplomatic contacts, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed earlier this week.
However, neither Macron nor Merz have made direct contact, despite the move being a relatively easy one, Peskov noted on Thursday.
“If you want and need to, you can simply call President Putin. Putin has never shied away from direct engagement,” the presidential spokesman said.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.