The Russian publication Vzgljad has ranked Germany as the most “unfriendly” nation to Russia, awarding it 95 out of 100 points on its monthly hostility index. The Czech Republic climbed to a tied fifth place with 75 points, driven by its munitions initiatives and participation in NATO exercises near Russian borders, according to the outlet’s June report.
How Russia Calculates the ‘Unfriendly Government’ Index
The ranking system, managed by editor Jevgenij Pozdňakov, uses six specific criteria to quantify a state’s hostility toward the Kremlin. The most heavily weighted factor is military-political activity against Russia, which can contribute up to 30 points. Pressure to implement sanctions accounts for 20 points.
Additional points are awarded for diplomatic hostility and information warfare (15 points), as well as discrimination against Russian businesses and support for “hostile” non-profit organizations (10 points). Pozdňakov stated that the score is dynamic; for instance, a country’s score drops if it blocks new sanctions or refuses weapon shipments to Ukraine.
Czech Republic’s Sudden Jump in Hostility Ranking
The Czech Republic’s position on the list has fluctuated significantly based on the governing administration. Under the government of Petr Fiala (ODS), Prague originally held fourth place when the list debuted last November. During the tenure of Andrej Babiš (ANO), the country’s ranking dropped to the bottom, hitting tenth place.
Prague has now surged back to fifth place. Vzgljad attributes this rise to the Czech initiative to produce long-range ammunition for Kyiv and the country’s involvement in the Ramstein Flag 18 exercise. The publication specifically noted that these exercises occurred near the borders of the Russian Federation and Belarus, particularly in the Kaliningrad region.
The Munitions Dispute
Vzgljad claims that the Czech ammunition initiative received “additional funding,” which contributed to the higher hostility score. However, available data does not support this specific claim for June. The most recent verified report on this matter came from Reuters in late May, which stated that Prague secured funding for one million artillery shells.
Comparative Hostility: The June Leaderboard
Germany leads the list by a significant margin, followed by Baltic states and the UK.
| Country | Hostility Score (Out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 95 |
| Latvia | 90 |
| Estonia / Great Britain | 85 |
| France | >75 |
| Czech Republic / Poland / Finland / Sweden | 75 |
The Impact of NATO Naval and Air Maneuvers
A primary driver for the June scores was the Ramstein Flag 18 exercise.
For countries like the Czech Republic, participating in these joint maneuvers serves as a primary catalyst for their movement up the "unfriendly" list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vzgljad hostility index?
It is a monthly ranking produced by a Russian news outlet that scores countries from 0 to 100 based on their perceived “unfriendliness” toward Russia, with 100 being the most hostile.
Why did the Czech Republic’s rank change?
The rank fluctuates based on the ruling government’s policies. It rose recently due to its ammunition initiative for Ukraine and participation in the Ramstein Flag 18 NATO exercises.
Which country is considered the most unfriendly?
According to the June data from Vzgljad, Germany holds the top spot with a score of 95 points.
How are the points calculated?
Scores are based on six criteria: military-political activity (30 pts), sanctions pressure (20 pts), diplomatic/info war (15 pts), and business discrimination/NGO support (10 pts), among others.
What do you think about the use of “hostility scores” in modern diplomacy? Does this numerical approach change how nations interact? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more geopolitical analysis.