Deployment of US missiles fuels German fear of war escalation

Every second German is concerned about an escalation of the conflict with Russia if the United States stations long-range missiles in Germany, according to a recent survey, reported dpa.

On the sidelines of a NATO summit in July, it was announced that US Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range that could reach deep into Russia, as well as SM-6 air-defence missiles and newly developed hypersonic weapons, would be moved to Germany from 2026.

The survey revealed that 50% of respondents believe the US missile project could lead to an escalation, while 38% do not believe this and 12% are undecided.

Several parties, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's own centre-left Social Democrats, have criticized the plan and called for it to be referred to parliament for debate.

Scholz had argued that the weapons were intended as a deterrent to prevent war.

The poll showed that 47% of those surveyed expect a deterrent effect on Russia, while 45% do not see it that way.

In addition, the poll found that 26% of respondents in eastern Germany support the deployment plans, while 60% oppose them.

In western Germany, the majority is in favour, with 50% in favour and 36% against the plans.

Some 5,003 German citizens aged 18 and over were polled between August 5-7 in the survey by opinion research institute Civey conducted on behalf of the Funke Media Group newspapers. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.