In relation to the USA, the EU and Ukraine, negative assessments prevail among respondents, the share of which has increased slightly in recent months. Young people still treat these countries noticeably better. At the same time, more than half of the respondents believe that Russia still needs to establish relations with Western countries. Positive assessments prevail in relation to China and Iran. Respondents consider Belarus, China and India to be close friends of Russia, which has pushed Kazakhstan and Armenia, the United States, Great Britain and Germany are the most hostile, the perception of the latter as unfriendly has increased significantly over the past year.
The West
Attitude towards countries and their citizens
Negative assessments continue to prevail in relation to the USA, the EU, Estonia and Ukraine. The attitude towards Georgia and Turkey is mostly positive (with a noticeable share of negative assessments). Respondents have a positive attitude towards China and Belarus. The attitude to the citizens of these countries is better than to each country individually.
Ideas about the “fifth column”
There is no clear understanding in Russian society of who Russian officials mean when they talk about the “fifth column” and “national traitors”. Nevertheless, three broad categories of answers to this question can be distinguished: the “collective West” (Western countries, their leaders, NATO, etc.), Russian elites (mostly those who have gone abroad or keep money there) and critics of the Russian government.
Sanctions
In May, Russians’ concern about Western sanctions against Russia decreased. The first shock of the sanctions has passed. Among the various restrictions, respondents are most concerned about the freezing of Russian assets abroad, although young people are more concerned about restrictions on Visa and Mastercard and the departure of Western brands. Respondents consider the price increase to be the main consequence of sanctions. At the same time, three-quarters of respondents believe that Russia should continue its policy despite the sanctions.
Russia and NATO
Most Russians have a negative attitude towards NATO. The prevailing opinion is that new countries joining NATO poses a threat to Russia. About half of the respondents admit that the conflict in Ukraine may escalate into a clash between Russia and the North Atlantic Alliance. A third of respondents admit that in the event of a conflict with the West, Vladimir Putin may give the order to use nuclear weapons first.
International relations
In March, there was a sharp deterioration in attitudes towards Western countries. An increase in negative assessments of the US and the EU has been recorded. The attitude towards Ukraine has hardly changed in March. Attitudes towards China have significantly improved.
RUSSIA AND THE WEST
This survey was carried out January 23–29, 2020 with a representative sample of all Russian urban and rural residents. The sample comprised 1603 people age 18 or older from 137 localities in 50 regions of the Russian Federation. The survey was conducted as a personal interview in respondents’ homes. The answer distribution is presented as […]
Ratings of 2019
This survey was carried out December 12–18, 2019 with a representative sample of all Russian urban and rural residents. The sample comprised 1608 people age 18 or older from 137 localities in 50 regions of the Russian Federation. The survey was conducted as a personal interview in respondents’ homes. The answer distribution is presented as […]
Attitudes toward countries
This survey was carried out November 21–27, 2019 with a representative sample of all Russian urban and rural residents. The sample comprised 1616 people age 18 or older from 137 localities in 50 regions of the Russian Federation. The survey was conducted as a personal interview in respondents’ homes. The answer distribution is presented as […]
Attitudes toward countries
This survey was carried out August 22–28, 2019 with a representative sample of all Russian urban and rural residents. The sample comprised 1608 people age 18 or older from 137 localities in 50 regions of the Russian Federation. The survey was conducted as a personal interview in respondents’ homes. The answer distribution is presented as […]