Kathrine Frich
The United States is no longer seen as Russia’s main enemy.
A new Russian survey reveals a striking shift in public opinion: The United States is no longer seen as Russia’s main enemy.
No Longer Number One
Instead, Western European nations like France, the UK, and Germany have taken the lead as the most “hostile” in the eyes of ordinary Russians, according to data released by state-run pollster VTsIOM.
America’s Fall from First: Enemy Status Drops Sharply
In 2022, 76% of Russians identified the US as their country’s top foe. That figure has now plummeted to just 27%.
The dramatic decline suggests a changing narrative within Russian state media and a shift in geopolitical focus among the public.
France Now Seen as Russia’s Biggest Threat
Topping the list of perceived enemies in 2025 is France, with 48% of Russians naming it the country with which Russia has the most hostile relations.
That’s more than double the number from just three years ago, up from 21% in 2022.
Britain and Germany Also Rank High on the Enemy List
Alongside France, the United Kingdom and Germany are now among the nations Russians view as most unfriendly.
Their continued support for Ukraine and firm stance on sanctions appear to be driving perceptions.
Ukraine Drops to Fourth Place Among Russia’s Enemies
Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine now ranks only fourth among countries viewed as hostile by the Russian public.
The share of Russians who see Ukraine as Russia’s top enemy has actually declined by 5% in recent years.
China Tops the List of Russia’s “Friends”
On the flip side, China is seen as Russia’s most important ally, with a whopping 65% of Russians naming it as a friend.
The two countries have deepened economic and military ties as their rivalry with the West intensifies.
Belarus, India, and North Korea Also Make the “Friendly” List
Joining China on the “friendly nations” list are Belarus (41%), India (26%), and North Korea (26%).
These countries are seen as politically supportive of Russia or neutral in the conflict with the West.
A Sign of State Media Influence?
Analysts suggest the shift in perception could reflect changing Kremlin messaging, which has turned its propaganda spotlight more heavily on Europe in recent years.
The US, once the centerpiece of enemy rhetoric, now appears to play a background role.
