Most of the respondents believe that Zaporizhia and Kherson should become either part of Russia or independent states. More than half approve of holding referendums in the territories controlled by Russia in these regions, but a significant proportion of respondents do not care. Two-thirds of respondents would support the inclusion of Ukrainian regions into Russia if such a decision is made through referendums.
Publications
Conflict with Ukraine: August 2022
Half of the respondents are following the situation around Ukraine, but their share continues to decline smoothly. Support for the actions of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine remains high, there are no significant changes on this issue. The society was almost equally divided on the question of whether to continue the offensive or to start negotiations. Confidence continues to grow that the “special operation” will last more than six months.
Moscow problems
Muscovites primarily complain about migrants, traffic jams and high prices. Among the attractive features of their area, respondents often name transport accessibility, developed social infrastructure and good ecology, among the unattractive – remoteness from the center, poor ecology and poor quality of housing stock.
Ideas about the “fifth column”
There is no clear understanding in Russian society of who Russian officials mean when they talk about the “fifth column” and “national traitors”. Nevertheless, three broad categories of answers to this question can be distinguished: the “collective West” (Western countries, their leaders, NATO, etc.), Russian elites (mostly those who have gone abroad or keep money there) and critics of the Russian government.
Western sanctions: Moscow poll
Less than half of Muscovites are worried about Western sanctions. Less than a third faced difficulties in purchasing familiar goods. Muscovites first of all regret the departure of IKEA, McDonald’s, clothing brands and smartphone manufacturers. But in general, the departure of foreign companies does not worry the respondents too much. The prevailing opinion is that sanctions will benefit the country and become an incentive for development. Although respondents expect rapid import substitution in the field of food production, but not in other industries.
Conflict with Ukraine: July 2022
Over the past month, there have been no significant changes in the attitude of Russians to the “special operation”. The majority of respondents remain concerned about the events in Ukraine, and also support the actions of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. Support and concern among young people is lower than in the country as a whole. Confidence that the “special operation” will last from six months or longer keeps on growing.
Events
In April and May, respondents most often mentioned events related to the “special military operation”, but the proportion of such responses is gradually decreasing: if in March 75% of respondents remembered it, in April – 63%, then in May – 42%.
In addition, in April, respondents noted events related to sanctions and price increases (10%), as well as the death of V. Zhirinovsky (8%). In May, respondents, in addition to the “special operation”, more often mentioned events related to Victory Day and May holidays (7%), price increases (4%) and Western sanctions (4%).
Pioneers
Most Russians believe that children’s organizations like the pioneers are needed. This opinion is quite stable. According to its supporters, such an organization could educate children, protect them from bad habits, instill patriotism. Opponents of such an organization see it as a relic of the past, a way of imposing ideology.
Approval of institutions, ratings of parties and politicians
In June, 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 June compared to May.
Moscow Politics
Compared to April 2021, the attitude of Muscovites to the city authorities has improved. The perception of city and municipal deputies has improved slightly. Among the parties that Muscovites would vote for in the State Duma elections, United Russia, the Communist Party and the Liberal Democratic Party are leading. The attitude of Muscovites to the president has noticeably improved.