According to the results of a survey published on the VTsIOM (The All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center) website, 74% of respondents declared support for the special operation. 9% of respondents found it difficult to answer. 17% of Russians were against, which is 8% lower than on February 25.
The idea of the purpose of the special operation of the Russian Federation among the population was formed in the early days and has remained unchanged since that time.
“The main one is to protect Russia, disarm Ukraine and prevent the deployment of NATO military bases on its territory (46% of respondents). In addition, the goals are read to change the political course of Ukraine, to cleanse it of the Nazis (19%), to protect the population of Donbass (17%). The fact that the purpose of the special military operation is to occupy Ukraine and annex it to Russia was reported by 5% of the respondents”, - the researchers said.
According to VTsIOM sociologists, 61% of Russians believe that the measures taken by the Russian government will reduce the negative impact of sanctions. 24% of respondents believe that the measures are unlikely to reduce the negative effects of restrictions. 15% of citizens found it difficult to answer the question.
The study also analyzed protest moods in Russia. As of March 17, every tenth Russian (10%) expressed his readiness to participate in the protests - in January, 17% of respondents stated this. 85% of those polled said they would rather not take part in the protests.
“According to data as of March 17 of this year, 18% of Russians admit that mass protests are currently possible in their village, three-quarters believe that mass protests are unlikely (March 17 - 75%),” VTsIOM reports.
On March 14, a similar study was conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM), establishing that 68% of the population support the special operation of the Russian Federation.