50% (16% less than in 2011) of Russians consider it unfair that rich people can provide their children with better medical care compared to poor ones. The share of respondents who completely disagree with the fact that the state should provide a set of only basic medical services has increased by 8% – up to 36%. 53% (an increase of 6%) of respondents are absolutely not ready to pay higher taxes to improve medical care for the entire population of Russia.
Publications
Approval of institutions, the state of affairs in the country, ratings of parties
In February the ratings of V. Putin, the State Duma, the Government of the Russian Federation and heads of republics. 52% of Russians believe that things in the country are going in the right direction. By 3% – up to 14% rose the confidence of Russians in S. Lavrov and V. Zhirinovsky, the level of trust in other politicians has not changed much. The survey was conducted from 17 to 21 February.
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.
Events of the month
In January, the most outstanding events for Russians were the protests in Kazakhstan and the entry of CSTO troops into the country (22%), as well as the situation around Ukraine (21%). The events related to the coronavirus worried respondents less: the appearance of a new strain, vaccination and QR codes were noted by 14% of respondents.
Protests in Kazakhstan
87% of Russians know of the popular protests in Kazakhstan that took place in early January. 48% believe the reason for the protests is people’s dissatisfaction with the growing prices and deteriorating life quality, 35% – that foreign forces provoked the conflict. 67% of Russians approve of Russian troops taking part in the CSTO operation.
Approval of institutions, the state of affairs in the country, trust in politicians
In January the ratings of V. Putin, M. Mishustin, the State Duma and the Government of the Russian Federation have grown. Half of Russians believe that things in the country are going in the right direction.
Anti-Russian sanctions
The perception of sanctions has not undergone significant changes compared to February 2020: sanctions do not concern 35% of respondents at all. The share of Russians who believe that Western sanctions affect only a narrow circle of people responsible for Russian policy towards Ukraine has doubled to 41%.
Xenophobia and migrants
The greatest distance remains in relation to people from Africa, Central Asia and Gypsies. Two-thirds of respondents believe that it is necessary to “limit the influx of migrant workers.” At the same time, half of the respondents believe that the work of migrants is “useful for the country and society,” this indicator has grown significantly over the past eight years.
Relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church
Compared to 2016, the number of respondents who define the relationship between the ROC and the Catholic Church as “normal, working” decreased by 13%. The share of respondents who believe that under Pope Francis the relations between the two Churches have improved went from 58% to 31%. At the same time, 60% of Russians would react positively to Francis’ visit to Russia.
Church and State
Half of Russians define themselves as religious people. Compared to February 2016, the share of respondents who believe that religious organizations have a great influence on public policy and those who believe that religion should not be in school increased by 12%. 21% (+6%) of Russians support the opinion that the Church and religious organizations should not interfere in public life.