The overwhelming majority of respondents believe that it is impossible to use nuclear weapons in the conflict with Ukraine under any circumstances – this point of view prevails in all the groups under consideration.
In May, respondents were asked a question in the following wording: “Some believe that in order to win in Ukraine, Russia must use nuclear weapons, others believe that it is impossible to use nuclear weapons under any circumstances. And which of these points of view do you rather adhere to yourself?”
Faced with a dilemma, the overwhelming majority of respondents – 86% – believe that nuclear weapons cannot be used under any circumstances. Only 10% of respondents agree to its use. There are slightly more supporters of the use of nuclear weapons in the current conflict among middle-aged people and those who advocate the continuation of hostilities in Ukraine. But in general, the differences are insignificant.
In April of this year, respondents were also asked questions about the readiness of the Russian leadership to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine and the justification of such actions.
METHODOLOGY
The All-Russian Levada Center survey was conducted on May 25 — 31, 2023 on a representative All-Russian sample of urban and rural population of 1,603 people aged 18 years and older in 137 localities, 50 subjects of the Russian Federation. The study is conducted at the respondent’s home by a personal interview method. The distribution of responses is given as a percentage of the total number.
The statistical error in the sample of 1600 people (with a probability of 0.95) does not exceed:
3.4% for indicators close to 50%
2.9% for indicators close to 25% / 75%
2.0% for indicators close to 10% / 90%
1.5% for indicators close to 5% / 95%
ANO “Levada Center” is included in the register of non-profit organizations performing the functions of a foreign agent.