An Independent Russian Poll Found Relatively Modest Support for the Country’s Invasion of Ukraine

Reuters

A new poll carried out by a group of independent research organizations in Russia has found relatively modest support among the public for the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Some highlights:

The telephone survey of 1,640 Russian adults was carried out between February 28 and March 1 (the invasion began on February 24), and asked respondents whether they support the “military operation” in Ukraine.

• According to the survey, 58% of Russian adults support the invasion, including 46% who said they firmly support it. Just under a quarter (23%) said they oppose it.

• The results are significantly different from those reported by Russian state-run polling firm VCIOM, which says it found 71% of Russians support the invasion.

Support among young Russians is significantly lower compared to older generations.

• Of those 18 to 24 years old, 29% support the invasion, while 39% oppose it.

• Support for the invasion peaked among respondents aged 66 and older (75% support).

A note:

It goes without saying that it can be tough to rely on information currently coming out of Russia, however, The Washington Post obtained the results of the survey from Gary Langer, a U.S.-based polling expert and longtime director of polling at ABC News.

• Langer told WaPo that he’s worked with the firms in the past and vouched for their credibility, describing them as “strong, independent survey research firms.”

• Langer declined to share the names of the firms that conducted the polling, citing risks stemming from the tightening censorship in the country.