The level of attention to the Ukrainian events remains at the level of the last two months. Support for the actions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has also remained virtually unchanged and stays at a high level. After a surge in support for the idea of continuing military operations in May, against the background of the capture of Bakhmut (Artemovsk) in June, the number of supporters of peace negotiations has significantly increased. That might have been partially caused by the concerns after the events of June 24. The overwhelming majority of respondents are concerned about both the beginning of the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine. Most still hold the United States and NATO responsible for what is happening. Concern about the possibility of a direct clash between Russia and NATO has grown markedly over the year.
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On the Possibility of Using Nuclear Weapons in the Ukrainian Conflict
The overwhelming majority of respondents believe that it is impossible to use nuclear weapons in the conflict with Ukraine under any circumstances – this point of view prevails in all the groups under consideration.
International Relations: Estimates of May 2023
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.
No End in Sight: Why Russians Do Not Expect the Conflict in Ukraine to End Anytime Soon
Based on regular surveys and focus group discussions, Denis Volkov for Russia.Post writes that events in May – including the successes of the Wagner group and Ukraine’s attacks on Russian territory – convince people that the war in Ukraine should be continued.
Conflict with Ukraine: Estimates of May 2023
The level of attention to the Ukrainian events and support for the actions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have not changed much over the past month. Against the background of the capture of Bakhmut (Artemovsk) by Russian troops, the share of respondents who support the continuation of hostilities has increased – their number has slightly exceeded the number of supporters of peace negotiations for the first time since August of last year. More than half of the respondents believe that the “special operation” is progressing successfully. The prevailing opinion is that military operations will drag on for another six months or longer, and confidence in this has been steadily increasing over the past year.
Conversations with friends and discussion of Ukrainian events
Most often, respondents talk to friends about routine matters: children, work and household. One in five likes to talk about politics. At the same time, about half of the respondents discuss the topic of the “special operation” with their family and friends. However, most are not ready to engage in conversations about this with strangers. This is similar to how respondents discuss other socio-political topics.
Conflict with Ukraine: Assessments for March 2023
In March, there was a slight decrease in attention to the events in Ukraine and support for the actions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, while support remains high. In addition, compared to last fall, there is a decrease in the proportion of those who fear the announcement of general mobilization. About half of the respondents still support the transition to peace talks, and almost the same number support the continuation of hostilities.
Attitude to countries: February 2023
In relation to the USA, the EU and Ukraine, negative assessments prevail among respondents. As before, there is a noticeable difference in opinions by age. Positive assessments are typical for China, India and Turkey.
Conflict with Ukraine: Assessments for February 2023
Support for the actions of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine remains high. On the issue of peace negotiations, society is almost equally divided: 50% are in favor of negotiations, 43% are in favor of continuing military operations. At the same time, only the idea of an exchange of prisoners of war. An immediate ceasefire, the return of territories to Ukraine or the country’s membership in NATO are unequivocally rejected by the majority of respondents. Since November last year, the number of people who are confident in the successful course of the “special operation” has slightly increased. Respondents call the main objectives of the “special operation” the protection of Russian borders and the protection of the Russian-speaking population of Donbass.
The attitude of Russians to countries: November 2022
In relation to the USA, the EU, Germany and Ukraine, negative assessments prevail among respondents. However, there is a noticeable differentiation by age. As before, a positive attitude remains towards China and Belarus.