Public perception of Western sanctions: June 2023

Concern about Western sanctions remains at a low level. As before, people of low income and older ages who feel the vulnerability of their economic situation are more concerned about sanctions. Among the consequences of sanctions restrictions, respondents are most concerned about the freezing of Russian assets abroad, the cancellation of cultural events with the participation of Russian artists and the departure of a number of Western companies from the Russian Federation. The majority of respondents note that the sanctions have not created problems for them and their families, and also believe that Russia should continue its policy despite the sanctions.

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.

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.

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%).

Sanctions

In May, Russians’ concern about Western sanctions against Russia decreased. The first shock of the sanctions has passed. Among the various restrictions, respondents are most concerned about the freezing of Russian assets abroad, although young people are more concerned about restrictions on Visa and Mastercard and the departure of Western brands. Respondents consider the price increase to be the main consequence of sanctions. At the same time, three-quarters of respondents believe that Russia should continue its policy despite the sanctions.

Sanctions

Concern about Western sanctions against Russia increased significantly in March: they worry almost half of the respondents. Two-thirds of respondents believe that sanctions directly affect broad segments of the population. About a third say that sanctions have already created problems for them personally and their families.

Anti-Russian sanctions

The perception of sanctions has not undergone significant changes compared to February 2020: sanctions do not concern 35% of respondents at all. The share of Russians who believe that Western sanctions affect only a narrow circle of people responsible for Russian policy towards Ukraine has doubled to 41%.

sanctions

This survey took place between 21-24 October 2016 and was conducted throughout all of Russia in both urban and rural settings. The survey was carried out among 1600 people over the age of 18 in 137 localities of 48 of the country’s regions.  The survey was conducted as a personal interview in respondents’ homes. The […]

Sanctions

This survey took place 27-30 May 2016 and was conducted throughout all of Russia in both urban and rural settings. The survey was carried out among 800 people over the age of 18 in 137 localities of 48 of the country’s regions.  The survey was conducted as a personal interview in respondents’ homes. The answer […]