All-Russia Public Opinion Research Center: 91% of Russians consider themselves patriots

"The majority of Russians, nine out of ten, call themselves patriots (91%), 52% call themselves unconditional patriots, every second. 5% of Russians do not consider themselves patriots", - the published VTSIOM research report says.

It is noted that 95% of residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg consider themselves patriots.

According to VTsIOM, the level of patriotism in Russia approached the record value recorded in 2018 — then 92% of respondents considered themselves patriots.

According to 48% of respondents, being a patriot means working and acting for the good and prosperity of the country, which implies a contribution to the common cause. 38% of respondents believe that this means protecting the country from "any attacks and accusations". 32% of the survey participants said that being a patriot means "telling the truth about your country, no matter how bitter it is," "considering yourself a part of your country," and 31% of respondents believe that patriotism implies striving to ensure a decent future. In 18% of cases, Russians answered that being a patriot is "to believe that your country is better than other countries".

The researchers also determined that the love of the Motherland for the majority of the country's citizens extends both to the closest circle and to the whole country.

"First of all, our fellow citizens talk about love for the Motherland through love for their family, loved ones, taking care of them (16%), 15% pointed to a small homeland, the place where they were born and grew up. Every tenth person connects love for the Motherland with love for people, mutual understanding and mutual assistance (10%)", - the report says.

Another 9% of respondents linked the love of the Motherland with the protection of their country. 7% each scored options to know and love the history, culture and traditions of the country, to contribute to its prosperity and development. 6% of respondents believe that love for the Motherland implies patriotism, in which Russians do not leave their country.

The study was conducted on March 28, 2023 as part of the All-Russian telephone survey "VTSIOM-Sputnik". It was attended by 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over.