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.
ukraine
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.
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%).
Russia and NATO
Most Russians have a negative attitude towards NATO. The prevailing opinion is that new countries joining NATO poses a threat to Russia. About half of the respondents admit that the conflict in Ukraine may escalate into a clash between Russia and the North Atlantic Alliance. A third of respondents admit that in the event of a conflict with the West, Vladimir Putin may give the order to use nuclear weapons first.
The conflict with Ukraine and responsibility for the deaths of civilians
Attention to the “special military operation” is gradually beginning to dull. At the same time, the majority of respondents demonstrate concern about what is happening. Support for the actions of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine remains high, but compared to March it has slightly decreased. The majority of respondents hold NATO countries responsible for the destruction in Ukraine and the death of civilians.
International relations
In March, there was a sharp deterioration in attitudes towards Western countries. An increase in negative assessments of the US and the EU has been recorded. The attitude towards Ukraine has hardly changed in March. Attitudes towards China have significantly improved.
The conflict with Ukraine
64% of Russians closely monitor the situation around Ukraine. 81% of respondents support the actions of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. The dominant feelings among Russians caused by military actions in Ukraine are “pride for Russia” (51%), “anxiety, fear, horror” (31%), “shock” (12%).
Ukraine and Donbass
Against the background of the escalation around Donbass, the share of those who treat Ukraine badly has grown: if 43% of respondents treated Ukraine badly in November last year, then in February this year – 52%. 60% of respondents consider the United States and NATO countries to be the initiators of the escalation in eastern Ukraine. 33% of respondents believe that the DPR and the LPR should become independent states, 25% believe that they should become part of Russia. The survey was conducted on February 17-21.
The restriction of air communication with Turkey
Most Russians are aware of the restrictions on air travel to Turkey. Half of Russians support this decision, one-third do not support it. Mostly older age groups of respondents support the decision, while younger groups do not. 44% of respondents believe that the decision is intended to protect Russians from the coronavirus, and 41% think it is a political decision.