At the end of September, against the background of the announced partial mobilization, public sentiment deteriorated sharply. Feelings of tension, irritation, fear and longing have grown. There has not been such a drop in morale in all the time of observations. At the same time, half of the respondents demonstrate confidence in the future. Two thirds of respondents feel free.
Publications
Changes in the country
Most Russians believe that Russia needs change. About half would like full-scale changes, but compared to the previous measurement, the number of such respondents has decreased. First of all, the respondents would like to improve the standard of living and solve social problems, the resignation of various officials, ministers, deputies, as well as the end of the “special operation”.
Participation of PMCs in the Ukrainian conflict
Two-thirds of respondents have heard about the participation of PMCs in Ukrainian military operations on the side of Russia. Respondents mostly support the use of such combat units.
Conflict with Ukraine: September 2022
After the announcement of partial mobilization, attention to the Ukrainian events and concern about what is happening have increased dramatically. The news about the partial mobilization caused fear in society. Support for the actions of the Russian military remains high, but the number of those who advocate the start of negotiations has increased.
Trust in public institutions
The August measurement recorded a significant increase in confidence in all state and public institutions compared to last year. Similar sharp sentiment changes were observed in 2014. The president, the army, the state security agencies, the government and the church enjoy the greatest trust today.
Approval of institutions, ratings of parties and politicians
In September, against the background of the announcement of partial mobilization, the level of approval of the main institutions of power decreased. Confidence has also decreased that things are going in the right direction in the country. However, the estimates remain high.
Attitude towards countries and their citizens
Negative assessments continue to prevail in relation to the USA, the EU, Estonia and Ukraine. The attitude towards Georgia and Turkey is mostly positive (with a noticeable share of negative assessments). Respondents have a positive attitude towards China and Belarus. The attitude to the citizens of these countries is better than to each country individually.
Western sanctions
More than half of Russians are not concerned about Western sanctions. At the same time, by August, this concern had grown slightly. Middle-income respondents and residents of large cities are most concerned about sanctions. At the same time the prevailing opinion is that sanctions will benefit the country and become an incentive for development.
Trips abroad
About 41% of Russians have been abroad, 20% — in the West. At the same time, no more than 5% of respondents have traveled abroad over the past year. A quarter of Russians have a passport for traveling abroad.
Approval of institutions, ratings of politicians
In July, the level of government approval did not change significantly. The electoral ratings of other political parties have barely changed. The level of trust in Vladimir Putin decreased in July compared to June.