Germans support steps against Russia even if they endanger energy supply – survey
ARD
A majority of Germans support the measures governments are taking against Russia even if they lead to problems with energy supply, a survey by infratest dimap commissioned by public broadcaster ARD has found. Sixty-six percent of respondents said they worry the invasion of Ukraine could result in cuts to Germany’s gas and energy supply. However, more than two thirds (68 percent) of all respondents said they would support measures against Russia “even if it leads to bottlenecks in energy supply,” while 66 percent supported them even if energy prices and costs of living increase. Supporters of the far-right populist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) are the only group that does not support the measures against Russia if they lead to energy supply issues.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has worsened Europe’s energy crisis as prices of natural gas and oil have reached record highs. There is also a risk that Russian supply to the continent could come to a full stop. Europe and Germany remain heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels and Russia is the main supplier of oil, natural gas, and hard coal.