July 04, 2023

Scared and Suspicious


Scared and Suspicious
Moscow, 2010. Marc Veraart, Flickr

Russian Field, a group of independent sociologists, conducted a survey on Russians' attitudes to the War in Ukraine. The survey polled 1604 persons from across Russia by phone between June 16 and 19 (before the Prigozhin Mutiny).

The findings indicate a relatively high level of loyalty toward the government and policies of President Vladimir Putin. Specifically, 64 percent of respondents support Putin's decision to launch a new offensive on Kyiv. However, researchers note that such loyalty may be influenced by a climate of repression, and it is possible that the number of negatively inclined respondents who choose not to participate in surveys is higher than the reported figures.

Despite the general loyalty observed, it cannot be concluded that Russians fully trust the authorities, as approximately 45 percent of respondents said they believe that official information about the war in Ukraine should not be trusted.

The desire to end the war is also reflected in respondents' preferences regarding the continuation of the conflict or the initiation of peace negotiations. The survey found that citizens are almost evenly split, with 45 percent in favor of continuing the war and 44 percent supporting peace negotiations. Notably, Russians between the ages of 18 and 29 displayed the strongest inclination toward peace, with over 60 percent in this age group favoring negotiations.

When the question was posed with the clarification that a second wave of mobilization would be required to continue the war, the "negotiation party" became a majority (54 percent), while the "war party" became a clear minority (35 percent). This preference for transitioning to negotiations prevailed across all age groups.

The growing "peace party" in Russia is being fueled by mounting concerns over mobilization. These anxieties are perhaps exacerbated by reports from the front. Despite certain regional authorities banning the publication of obituaries for fallen soldiers, independent journalists are persistently tallying casualties using publicly available data, revealing over 26,801 deaths (at press time) among those mobilized. Furthermore, grievances from the front continue to surface, with some soldiers reporting shortages of essential resources such as water, while others express concerns about being deployed into combat without adequate weaponry.

 

 

You Might Also Like

Undesirable News
  • June 28, 2023

Undesirable News

The Russian Prosecutor General's has declared Novaya Gazeta Europe "undesirable" due to its independent reporting.
Military Against War
  • June 19, 2023

Military Against War

The Russian military has created a secret anti-Putin organization that is fighting against the dictatorship and opposes the war with Ukraine.
No Money, Only War
  • March 29, 2023

No Money, Only War

Russian authorities blame the "special military operation" for the disruption of infrastructural and social projects.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Bears in the Caviar
May 01, 2015

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955