In March, there was a slight decrease in attention to the events in Ukraine and support for the actions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, while support remains high. In addition, compared to last fall, there is a decrease in the proportion of those who fear the announcement of general mobilization. About half of the respondents still support the transition to peace talks, and almost the same number support the continuation of hostilities.
Attention to Ukrainian events has continued to decline since December last year. 21% follow them “very closely” (in January — 22%) and another 32% follow them “quite closely” (35% – in January). 47% of respondents follow without much attention or do not follow at all.
As in other months, respondents from the older age group (55 years and older) most closely follow events related to Ukraine: 71% of this group follow them closely. In the age group from 40 to 54 years, 57% of respondents are closely follow the events, as do 41% of people aged 25 to 39 and a quarter of people aged 18 to 24.
At the end of March, there was a decrease in support for the actions of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine. 41% definitely support them (in February – 48%), 31% rather support them (in February – 31%). 20% do not support them – (17% in February).
The highest level of support for the actions of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine is typical for those who trust TV as the main source of news (79%) and who approve of the president’s activities (81%), as well as for respondents 55 years and older (79%) and men (77%).
The lowest level of support is observed among those who disapprove of the president’s work (26% in total). Also, young people (58% among respondents aged 18-24) and women (68%), as well as those who do not trust any news sources (62%), are less likely to show their support.
There are still slightly more supporters of peace talks in society than supporters of continuing military operations (48% versus 42% at the end of March). There have been no significant changes since the end of February.
The prevailing feelings of respondents regarding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine remain “pride for Russia” (43%), “anxiety, fear, horror” (35%), as well as “anger, indignation” and “shock” (10% each).
Compared to October last year, the share of those who fear the announcement of general mobilization in Russia due to the fighting has decreased. Last fall 65% were afraid of such a development, this month – 57%. 39% are not afraid of the announcement of general mobilization (31% in October 2022).
METHODOLOGY
The all-Russian survey by the Levada Center was conducted March 23 – 29 2023, among a representative sample of all Russian urban and rural residents. The sample consisted of 1633 people aged 18 or older in 137 municipalities of 50 regions of the Russian Federation. The survey was conducted as a personal interview in respondents’ homes. The distribution of responses is given as a percentage of the total number of respondents.
The statistical error of these studies for a sample of 1600 people (with a probability of 0.95) does not exceed:
3.4% for indicators around 50%
2.9% for indicators around 25%/75%
2.0% for indicators around 10%/90%
1.5% for indicators around 5%/95%
The ANO Levada Center is included in the registry of non-commercial organizations acting as foreign agents.