politics
February 13, 2026
Most Germans want dialogue with Russia
Most Germans want direct talks between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a YouGov poll
TL;DR
- A YouGov poll found 58% of Germans support direct talks between Chancellor Merz and President Putin on the Ukraine conflict.
- Support for direct talks is higher among Merz's conservative voters (64%).
- Merz has expressed skepticism about independent direct dialogue with Moscow.
- Germany's economy has faced stagnation and high energy prices since 2022, partly attributed to reduced Russian gas imports.
- French President Macron has also called for re-engagement with Russia.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Putin is open to direct engagement.
Continue reading
the original article