A recent poll conducted by the Moscow-based Levada Center has revealed that the majority of Russians would not support ending the invasion of Ukraine if it meant withdrawing from the territories currently occupied by Russia. Out of the respondents, only 34% indicated that they would support President Vladimir Putin if he decided to end the invasion and return the occupied territories to Ukraine. However, 70% of the participants stated that they would support Putin’s decision to end the invasion without the condition of returning the territories.
The survey involved dividing the respondents into two equal groups, with each group being asked the question in one of two different formulations, according to the Levada Center. The research also found that there is still a high level of support for the actions of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine. When asked if they personally support the Russian military’s actions in Ukraine, 76% of respondents answered “definitely” or “most likely” yes, which has remained relatively stable over the past year.
The Levada Center also inquired about the public’s opinion on whether to continue the war or initiate peace negotiations. The results showed that 56% of those surveyed supported the start of peace talks, compared to 51% in September. Notably, among the youngest age group surveyed (18-24 years old), the number rose to 69%. However, residents of Moscow demonstrated less enthusiasm for starting peace talks, with only 38% of Muscovites expressing a desire to “move on to peace negotiations.”
Furthermore, the poll highlighted that Russians believe the invasion will persist in the future, with 46% of respondents believing the war will last for more than another year. Another 23% estimated that it would continue for another six months to a year.
The Levada Center conducted the survey between October 19 and October 25, 2023, with a sample size of 1,607 adults from various regions of Russia.
