Concerns about Western sanctions against Russia are gradually weakening. The blocking of Russian gold and foreign exchange reserves is more of a concern. The number of people who are confident that sanctions affect the majority of the population is gradually decreasing. The prevailing opinion is that the sanctions have not created serious problems for the respondents and their families. Those who still talk about problems note the departure of brands, rising prices, restrictions on travel abroad, blocking of payment systems, and the disappearance of a number of medicines. At the same time, almost two thirds of respondents believe that sanctions will strengthen our country and become an incentive for its development. The majority of respondents (73%) believe that Russia should “continue its policy despite the sanctions.”

Less than half of Muscovites are worried about Western sanctions. Less than a third faced difficulties in purchasing familiar goods. Muscovites first of all regret the departure of IKEA, McDonald’s, clothing brands and smartphone manufacturers. But in general, the departure of foreign companies does not worry the respondents too much. The prevailing opinion is that sanctions will benefit the country and become an incentive for development. Although respondents expect rapid import substitution in the field of food production, but not in other industries.

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.

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%.