61% of Russians believe that every “real man” should serve in the army. This point of view is most popular in all age groups except the youngest – they are more likely to have a point of view about service as a duty to the state. Half of Russians (48%) believe that Russia needs a partially contracted and partially conscripted army, a third (34%) – only a contract one. The absolute majority of Russians are confident that the army will be able to protect the country in case of a real threat.
Year: 2021
Death penalty and crime
41% of Russians believe that the death penalty should be restored “as it was in the early 1990s” – before the moratorium was introduced. Representatives of older age groups are mainly in favor of restoring the death penalty. Half of Russians (48%) believe that it is possible to reduce crime by tightening penalties.
Emigration
A fifth of Russians (22%) said that they would like to go abroad for permanent residence, 77% – that they would not like to. The share of those expressing a desire to leave has increased over the past few years – back in 2017, it was 15%. In 2021, this indicator reached the level of 2011-2013.
Protest sentiments
The protest sentiments of Russians have significantly decreased since January 2021. Young people and the audience of new media are more ready to protest. Representatives of the older generation and TV viewers-to a lesser extent.
Coronavirus
More than a half of Russians (55%) are not afraid of contracting coronavirus. This indicator has not changed since February 2021. About 24% of Russians said that they had been ill with COVID-19 (including 17% – without an official diagnosis). About 11% of Russians have already been vaccinated.
Rights and freedoms
64% of Russians feel free, 35% – do not. The most important rights for Russians are the right to life, medical care, work and good working conditions, social protection and free education.
Top May events
In May, Russians most remembered the tragedy at the Kazan school – 35%, various holidays (May Day, Easter, Victory Day) – 7%, events related to coronavirus and vaccination (6%), as well as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict (3%).
Tragedy at the Kazan school
Almost all Russians know about the tragedy that occurred at the Kazan school on May 11. Half (53%) of respondents closely followed the events, 44% at least heard something about it.
Presidential electoral ratings
The presidential electoral ratings have not changed. The top four remain the same: Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Gennady Zyuganov, and Alexei Navalny. According to the results of the Moscow poll, Alexei Navalny came in second place.
21 April protests
Most Russians (72%) are aware of the protests on April 21. This is less than during the January protests. The share of those who have a positive attitude toward the protesters decreased. Young people and readers of new media have a better attitude toward the protesters. Older age groups and television viewers have worse attitudes.