A recent survey indicates a significant proportion of the German public believe Ukraine may need to consider ceding occupied territories to Russia as a means of achieving a temporary end to the ongoing conflict. The poll, conducted by the Forsa Institute for RTL and ntv’s “Trendbarometer” between August 8th and 11th, revealed that 53% of respondents believe territorial concessions might be necessary. This figure remains largely consistent with a similar survey conducted in Spring 2025, which found 54% held the same view, while 39% oppose such concessions.
Significant opposition to territorial concessions is notably stronger among supporters of the Green Party (66%) and The Left party (51%). Conversely, a willingness to consider such concessions is most prevalent among voters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 86%, with considerable support also found within the CDU/CSU (42%) and SPD (47%) voter bases.
The survey also gauged public perception regarding the potential influence of former US President Donald Trump on the conflict. A substantial majority, 73%, expressed skepticism that Trump could successfully negotiate a comprehensive ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Only 20% believe he could achieve such an outcome. This skepticism is particularly strong among supporters of the SPD (89%) and the Green Party (89%) and also prevails among CDU/CSU voters (79%). A relative majority of AfD supporters (35%) are the only group where a significant number believe Trump could exert influence.
Currently, Russia occupies approximately 114,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, representing around 19% of the country’s total land area – an area exceeding the combined size of the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.