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.
Publications
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%).
Approval of institutions, ratings of parties and politicians
In March, the approval of the main state institutions increased significantly: 83% approve of the activities of the president, 71% approve of the Prime Minister, 70% approve of the government, 59% approve of the State Duma. The share of those who believe that things are going in the right direction in the country has sharply increased. The rating of United Russia reached 54% (of those who decided on the choice), the indicators of other parties have not changed significantly.
Survey of retail investors in March 2022: sentiment on the eve of the opening of the stock market
The conducted survey of retail investor sentiment shows a sharp decline of optimism about the future and their own financial situation. Confidence that their personal financial situation will improve has been decreasing throughout the year, but the current drop was especially dramatic: the number of those who expect their finances to improve this year has dropped from 44% in October 2021 to 13% in March 2022.
Coronavirus and personal contacts
From November 2021 to February 2022, the proportion of those who are not afraid of contracting coronavirus has increased markedly – 66%. The number of Russians who have been vaccinated continues to grow and in February reached half of the country’s population. More than a third of those who were vaccinated were revaccinated. Half of Russians are concerned about the possibility of getting infected themselves or infecting others through touching and kissing; 45% of Russians try to limit physical contact with other people.
Xenophobia and Nationalism in State Power
Compared to previous measurements, nationalist sentiment has somewhat weakened. Thus, 27% of respondents agree that “a non-Russian person cannot be a true patriot of Russia”” 69% disagree with this statement. The share of those who disagree with the provision of benefits to Russians in Russia has increased. 36% believe that Russians in Russia should have advantages in holding public positions, 56% of respondents believe that ethnic Russians should not have such advantages. Nationalist sentiments are somewhat less common among the youngest respondents and those who use online publications and Telegram to get information.
Attitude to countries
By mid-February, even before the start of the “special operation” and the further escalation of the conflict, there was a notable deterioration of people’s attitude towards Western countries. Regular measurements of public opinion recorded an increase in negativity towards the United States, the EU and Germany. In relation to the UK negative sentiments are also prevailing. Representatives of the older generation have the worst attitude towards these countries. The survey was conducted on February 17-21.
The case of Alexey Navalny
14% of Russians approve of Alexei Navalny’s activities, 60% disapprove. 82% of respondents know about the court decision, according to which the politician was sentenced for 2.5 years in prison. The largest share (38%) of those who consider this decision unfair is represented in the 18-24 age group. 31% of respondents believe that the new trial against Navalny was launched because “the government is settling scores with its political opponent,” 44% – that “Navalny is being tried for violating the law, and this has nothing to do with his political activities.” 23% of Russians rather support the inclusion of Navalny and his entourage in the list of terrorists and extremists, 31% rather do not support, while the share of the indifferent is 38%.
Protest sentiment
In mid-February, 29% of Russians considered protests with economic demands possible, 23% were ready to take part in them. Mass demonstrations with political demands were considered possible by 29% of respondents, while 18% were ready to participate in them. The most protesting groups were low-income respondents, those who believe that the country is moving in the wrong direction, and those who disapprove of the president’s activities. The survey was conducted on February 17-21.
The Yangulbaev family
Only 29% of respondents know that on January 20 in Nizhny Novgorod Chechen policemen detained and took Zarema Musayeva to Chechnya. At the same time, 70% of respondents considered unacceptable the words of the head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov addressed to the Yangulbayev Family. Half of Russians approve of Ramzan Kadyrov’s activities, a quarter disapprove. 16% of respondents would be ready to support the petition by Ilya Yashin demanding resignation of the head of Chechnya. 28% wouldn’t be ready, 47% are indifferent to the issue.