There is no unambiguous attitude in society to the law on “foreign agents”. At the same time, a year ago, most of the respondents believed that this law was a way of state pressure on independent public organizations. Today, against the background of the consolidation of public opinion around the government and the deepening of the conflict with the West, the opinion is beginning to prevail that the law is designed to “limit the negative influence of the West on our country.” Half of the respondents say that the status of a foreign agent in the media, NGOs or politics does not affect the attitude towards them.
Publications
Mass fears in December 2022
The respondents are most afraid of “illness of loved ones, children” (64%), “world war” (54%) and “illness, torment” (39%). Most of the mass phobias in 2022 have weakened compared to the measurement of 2021 – against the background of the consolidation of public opinion caused by participation in the “special operation” and confrontation with the West. Only the fear of a “world war” remains a constant. The greatest concern on most issues is shown by women (compared to men), older generations (compared to youth) and the most vulnerable segments of the population (compared to affluent Russians).
How Russians see the results of 2022
For the majority of respondents, 2022 turned out to be more difficult than the previous one, it seemed more difficult “for the country” than for the respondents personally. By many indicators, 2020, 1998 and the first half of the 1990s seemed more difficult for Russians at the time than the outgoing 2022. The majority rated it as “average”, a third – as “bad”. At the same time, more than half of respondents called 2022 a successful year for themselves, and a third called it unsuccessful. Among the main events of the year, respondents noted the “special operation” and related events. The respondents were also asked to name the person of the year, the main film and TV series of the year.
The attitude of Russians to countries: November 2022
In relation to the USA, the EU, Germany and Ukraine, negative assessments prevail among respondents. However, there is a noticeable differentiation by age. As before, a positive attitude remains towards China and Belarus.
Russian Army
The majority of respondents believe that “every real man should serve in the army.” The share of Russians who hold this opinion has decreased from 60% to 49% in three years. About half believe that the army should be formed both by contract and by conscription. At the same time, the share of those who support a full transition to the contract system has increased.
Conflict with Ukraine: November 2022
In November, respondents’ attention and concern about the Ukrainian events decreased. Support for the Russian Armed Forces remains high. At the same time, about half of the respondents would like to start peace negotiations. The relative majority believes that the “special operation” is progressing successfully. However, confidence continues to grow that it will last from six months or longer.
Approval of institutions, ratings of parties and politicians
In November, the level of approval of state institutions practically did not change, while the share of those who believe that things in the country are going in the right direction slightly decreased. The electoral ratings of the parties have not changed in comparison with September.
Public sentiment in October
In October, the mood began to gradually recover from the stress caused by the announcement of partial mobilization. Men, supporters of the authorities, as well as the youngest and wealthiest respondents are more likely to speak about a positive mood.
Civic engagement
The nature and scale of civic engagement is quite stable. Among the most popular activities
are free help to those in need, additional education, donations for socially useful purposes and
association with other people to protect their rights.
The main sources of information of Russians
Television remains the main source of information for Russians and respondents are more likely to
express confidence in this particular source. Nevertheless, there are significant differences in
socio-demographic groups. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of respondents
using Telegram channels as sources of news about what is happening, since the beginning of the
year, the audience of Telegram channels has tripled.