December 26, 2021, will mark 30 years since the Soviet Union was officially dissolved. Lev Gudkov, spoke about Russia’s conservative revanche, the reproduction of Soviet myths, the stability of authoritarian power, and the “double consciousness” of the Russian people.
Publications
Twitter blocking
More than a half of Russians (54%) heard about Roskomnadzor’s intention to block Twitter. Opinions about the purpose of the blocking are divided – 40% believe it is necessary to combat extremism, 37% believe that blocking Twitter is aimed at restricting freedom of speech. This is primarily the opinion of young people and the audience of Telegram channels.
The decision of the trial of Alexey Navalny
82% of Russians are aware of the decision of the trial of Alexey Navalny. The youngest and oldest groups of respondents followed the situation most closely. Almost half (48%) of those surveyed believe the court decision is fair, while 29% believe it is unfair. 50% of respondents among young people consider the decision unfair. Among those who consider the decision unfair 61% would like the politician to be released as soon as possible.
Ukraine and Donbas
Against the backdrop of the escalating conflict over Donbas, the attitude of Russians to Ukraine has deteriorated. Mostly older groups of Russians worsened their attitude. The opinion of young people has not changed. 28% of Russians think that the DPR and LPR should become independent states, another quarter (25%) is in favor of the republics becoming a part of Russia. A third of Russians are sure that the conflict will drag on for a long time.
Religiosity during the pandemic
In a March survey, 10 percent of Russians said the coronavirus epidemic had affected their faith, while 28 percent thought it had affected the country as a whole. We compare the data with the results of an international survey conducted in the summer of 2020.
The law on educational activities
The majority (71%) of Russians have not heard anything about the law about educational activities. 29% are well aware of it or have heard something about it. One-third of Russians (36 %) believe the law is intended to increase censorship, a view that prevails among those who have heard about the law, new media readers, and young people. Another 30% of respondents believe that the purpose of the law is to protect against anti-Russian propaganda; this viewpoint is more popular among older groups of respondents, as well as among television and radio listeners.
Attitude towards the US
Russian society is split equally in its attitude toward the United States. President Joe Biden’s remarks about Vladimir Putin had no effect on Russians’ attitudes toward the United States. One-third of Russians were outraged by the words of the American president; another third did not experience any special feelings.
Top March events
In March, Russians remembered events related to the pandemic most of all. Respondents also paid attention to news about Alexey Navalny, Joe Biden, and sports events.
EVALUATION OF THE NECESSARY SUBSISTENCE MINIMUM AMONG RUSSIANS
25% of Russians believe that their income exceeds the required living wage – this is the level of 2008-2010. The gap between the estimation of necessary subsistence minimum and income per capita is increasing.
Russia and Europe
The share of those who consider Russia a European country is decreasing. Fewer and fewer Russians consider themselves Europeans. Older groups of Russians view Russia as Europe and themselves as Europeans to a greater extent than younger groups.