Russians think it is important to continue supporting Donbass, but only 16% of respondents propose to make the self-proclaimed republics part of Russia`s territory.
MOSCOW, September 30, 2015. Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) presents the results of the survey describing how Russians assess the situation in Donbass, as well as how they see the future of the region.
Compared to the previous year, today more Russians think that among the Donbass rebels there are more Russian volunteers than Ukrainians: whereas in July 2014 the share of such respondents was 5%, in September 2015 this share makes up 15%. However, most of respondents (66%) still believe that DPR and LPR rebel forces include basically residents of region and other parts of Ukraine (88% in 2014). In July 2014, 79% of Russians said that most of the residents of LRP and DPR supported the rebels (65% in 2015).
In this situation, two-thirds of Russians (31%) think that Russian authorities should be neutral and provide no support both for Kiev authorities and for DPR and LPR (41% a year ago). Every fourth (26%) believes that it is essential to recognize the independence of these republics. Others propose to actively support the republics: 12% would help them in extending the autonomy; 16% - in incorporating into Russia`s territory. Few Russians support Ukrainian authorities` position: in September 2015, only 3% said that Kiev should be helped to return control over the Donbass region.
It is in Russia`s interests to conduct peaceful negotiations and freeze the conflict even at the expense of concessions and financial loss, according to 74% of Russians (65% in January 2015). To resolve the conflict quickly ten percent of Russians choose “war till victory” even at the expense of human losses.
At the same time, most of Russians (73%) support further humanitarian aid for Donbass; this share has not dramatically changed over a year (78% in September 2014). Nineteen percent think that food and medical supplies should be stopped; they are mainly Russians aged 18-24 (28%) and those who have low level of education (27%).
The VCIOM opinion poll was conducted September 5-6, 2015; 1600 respondents were interviewed in 132 settlements in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.5%.
The conflict between the Kiev authorities and Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics` rebels keeps going. Talking about Donbass self-defense troops , which of the following statements do you agree with? (closed-ended question, one answer, %) | ||
| 07.2014 | 09.2015 |
Most of them are residents of Donbass and other regions of Ukraine | 88 | 66 |
Most of them are Russian volunteers | 5 | 15 |
Don`t know | 7 | 19 |
Which of the following statements about DPR and LPR rebels do you most agree with? (closed-ended question, one answer, %) | ||
| 07.2014 | 09.2015 |
Their ideas are shared by most of Donbass residents | 79 | 64 |
Their ideas are shared by least of Donbass residents | 9 | 12 |
Don`t know | 11 | 24 |
In your opinion, what position should Russia take regarding Donetsk and Luhansk People`s republics? (closed-ended question, one answer, %) | |||||
| 04.2014* | 07.2014 | 10.2014 | 01.2015 | 09.2015 |
Not to intervene, to be neutral | 45 | 36 | 43 | 28 | 31 |
Recognize DPR and LPR as independent republics | 13 | 27 | 23 | 29 | 26 |
Make DPR and LPR part of Russia | 18 | 12 | 11 | 16 | 16 |
Help DPR and LPR extend their autonomous status being part of Ukraine at the same time | 12 | 15 | 8 | 12 | 12 |
Help Kiev authorities to return control over DPR and LPR | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Don`t know | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 |
*In April 2014, the question was: “Part of residents of Donbass declared the establishment of Donetsk People`s Republic and Kharkov Republic. In your opinion, what position should Russia take in this respect?"
Which approach corresponds with Russia`s interests, in your opinion? (closed-ended question, one answer , %) | ||
| 01.2015 | 09.2015 |
War until victory even at the expense of human losses but with a hope for quick conflict resolution | 17 | 10 |
Peaceful negotiations, freezing conflict which requires both concessions from Russia and huge financial losses to support people`s republics | 65 | 74 |
Don`t know | 18 | 16 |
Russia sends humanitarian aid (food, medicine, water) spending money from its budget. In your opinion, should Russia continue sending humanitarian air to Donbass? (closed-ended question, one answer, %) | |||
| 09.2014 | 01.2015 | 09.2015 |
Rather yes | 78 | 75 | 73 |
Rather not | 15 | 15 | 19 |
Don`t know | 6 | 10 | 8 |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!