MOSCOW, February 18, 2009. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents results of its latest study dedicated to the problem of Crimea: should Russia discuss the question of the ownership of Crimea with Ukraine, and may it cause possible conflict?
More than third of Russians used to go to Crimea, including 26% of those who visited Crimea in soviet times (most of them are Russians aged 60 and above, among which 45% used to be there) and 10% of those who visited Crimea after Ukraine got its independence (16-18% of Russians aged above 44). 53% of respondents have not been to Crimea and are not planning to go there; 8% are going to Crimea peninsula. Crimea is the most popular among 18-24-year-old Russians; 15% of them would like to travel there.
44% of Russians report that it is necessary to discuss the question of the ownership of Crimea with Ukraine. Respondents who tend to think so are mostly those who visited Crimea after Ukraine became independent state (53%), as well as those who are going to Crimea for the first time (51%). "Fair Russia" party` adherents support this point of view (59%). On the contrary, 22% of Russians think that this question is settled and should not be discussed; those who think so are respondents having visited Crimea in soviet times, those who have never been there, those who are not planning to go there (23% and 21% respectively), and LDPR party` supporters (29%). Finally, 19% consider that this problem should not be discussed, but should be raised, for example, in case Ukraine joins NATO or leaves CIS. Such opinion is mainly shared by those have been to this peninsula in soviet era (23%), as well as Russians, supporting democrats (31%). 13% were undecided.
The majority of Russians thinks it is necessary to protect Russians` interest in Crimea, despite of the possible complications in relations with Ukraine (73%). Such opinion is often expressed by those who have been in Crimea in soviet time (79%), and Russians with higher and incomplete higher education (76%).15% of respondents believe that Russia would better not confront Ukraine even if it is needed to protect the rights of Russians in Crimea; such position is mostly held by respondents with elementary and incomplete secondary education (18%).
69% of Russians state that Russia-Ukraine conflict is possible; 52% consider that it can take diplomatic form, but 17% think that armed confrontation may occur. Only 13% are confident that any conflict related to Crimea is impossible. Russians who have been to Crimea in post-soviet time, as well as respondents with higher or incomplete higher education more often then others report that conflict is possible only on diplomatic level (63% and 58% respectively). Armed conflict is considered possible mostly among those respondents which are going to visit Crimea for the first time, and respondents with secondary and secondary special education (23% and 19% respectively). Respondents with higher or incomplete higher education more often then others express confidence that such confrontation may occur (16%).
The initiative Russian opinion poll was conducted on February 14-15, 2009. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 140 sampling points in 42 regions of Russia.
The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.
Have you ever been to Crimea? (close-ended question, one answer) | ||||||
| Total respondents | Age, years | ||||
18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60 and above | ||
Yes, in soviet times | 26 | 4 | 13 | 20 | 36 | 45 |
Yes, after Ukraine got its independence | 10 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 7 | 2 |
No, but I am planning to go there | 8 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 3 |
No, I am not going there | 53 | 65 | 58 | 49 | 49 | 48 |
Difficult to tell | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
In your opinion, should Russia discuss the question of Crimea` s ownership with Ukraine? Or has this question already been settled? (close-ended question, one answer) | ||||||
|
| Political parties` supporters | ||||
| Total respondents | United Russia | CPRF | LDPR | Fair Russia | Democrats (Pravoe Delo +Yabloko) |
This question have long been settled, there is no need for discussion | 22 | 22 | 25 | 29 | 18 | 13 |
Russia should discuss this question with Ukraine | 44 | 45 | 48 | 44 | 59 | 50 |
Currently this question should not be discussed; but the problem should be raised in case Ukraine joins NATO or Ukraine leaves CIS | 19 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 31 |
Difficult to tell | 14 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
In your opinion, should Russia actively protect Russians` interests in Crimea? Or we should not complicate relations with Ukraine? (close-ended question, one answer) | |||||
| Total respondents | Have you ever been to Crimea? | |||
Yes, in soviet time | Yes, after Ukraine got its independence | No, but I am planning to go there | No, I am not going there | ||
Russia should actively protect Russians` interests in Crimea, even if it will cause complications in relations with Ukraine | 73 | 79 | 76 | 73 | 70 |
Russia should not confront Ukraine, even if it is needed to protect Russians in Crimea | 15 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Difficult to tell | 12 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 14 |
In your opinion, in the coming years is Russia-Ukraine conflict over Crimea possible? (close-ended question, one answer) | |||||
| Total respondents | Have you ever been to Crimea? | |||
Yes, in soviet time | Yes, after Ukraine got its independence | No, but I am planning to go there | No, I am not going there | ||
Yes, this conflict is possible in different forms, even armed clashes | 17 | 18 | 16 | 23 | 17 |
Yea, but only diplomatically | 52 | 55 | 63 | 48 | 51 |
No, such conflict is impossible | 13 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 |
Difficult to tell | 18 | 15 | 11 | 17 | 19 |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or www.wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM,
the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!