Public sentiment and assessments of the state of affairs in the country: May 2024

In the last 25 years, Russians have most often said that their mood in recent days has been normal, even. Tension and irritation in society is gradually decreasing and is currently at the lowest level for the entire observation period, at the same time, in May 2024, the maximum indicators of the excellent mood of Russians (16%) were recorded. The majority of Russians believe that things in the country are going in the right direction, bearing in mind the “correctly pursued state policy (both foreign and domestic)”, “social development”, “struggle for peace”. Almost one in five respondents says that the country is moving along the wrong path, referring to “rising prices, small pensions, inflation,” “economic decline,” “irremovability of power, corruption.”

Public opinion on capital punishment and the use of torture

More than half of the respondents generally support the use of capital punishment, and a third do not support it. The terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall did not lead to an increase in the number of supporters of the death penalty — today their number is slightly less than during the previous measurement in May 2021. Respondents who support the use of capital punishment motivate their position by saying that there should be fair retribution for serious crimes, as well as by the fact that severe punishment will help maintain order. Opponents of the death penalty primarily say that “it is inhumane” and fear possible miscarriages of justice. Slightly less than half of the respondents admit torture of detainees in exceptional cases and, above all, to those who have committed serious crimes, a third believes that torture is unacceptable under any circumstances.

Ideas about the problems of Russian society: March 2024

More than half of the respondents are primarily concerned about rising prices, a third indicated concerns related to the conduct of a “special military operation”, three out of ten fear the threat of terrorist attacks. Concerns about inflation or the availability of medicine and education remain at a constant level, while worries about most socio-economic problems have subsided in the past few years. The recent terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall has noticeably exacerbated anxiety about possible terrorist attacks, as well as hostility towards migrants. The perception of social problems is significantly influenced by the respondents’ belonging to a particular social group.

Russians about keeping pets

More than a half of Russians keep pets, only a quarter have never had a family pet. Most often respondents keep cats. Almost all pet owners consider them as members of their family. About a half of the owners picked up their pets. About half of the owners adopted their pets from acquaintances. The average cost of keeping pets is almost 3 thousand rubles per month.

Games Russians Play

The percentage of Russians who play games has increased over 10 years most commonly, respondents play games on a smartphone, cards, chess and checkers. Over 10 years, the share of players of mobile games (on a smartphone) has increased significantly, while the share of computer players is decreasing. In addition, Russians began to play table games and lotteries slightly more frequent.