13 September 2021. VCIOM presents the findings of a survey among Russians on their attitudes towards nuclear weapons.
Most of Russians consider that Russia needs nuclear weapons (83%). Every tenth respondent does not think nuclear weapon is needed (11%), especially young respondents: this stance is shared by almost every fifth respondent aged 18-24 (18%). Older generation oppose them: 88% of those aged 60 and older think nuclear weapon is important.
Those who believe that nuclear weapon is needed say that it is needed in case Russia is attacked (31%), it is a political instrument (12%), and because Russia is surrounded by unfriendly states (11%). Respondents aged 25-34 point to defensive function (35%); young persons under 24 tend to consider it as a political tool. Older generation Russians often point out Russia’s external enemies and poor attitudes towards Russia (17%).
Those who say nuclear weapon should not be kept see no sense in keeping it (28% of those who oppose it); they say that there is no threat of nuclear war (27%), and renunciation of nuclear weapons is important to provide peace all around the world (20%).
Russian nationwide VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted on September 4, 2021. A total of 1,600 of Russians aged 18 and older took part in the survey. Results are based on telephone interviews. Stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of Russian landline and mobile phone numbers was used. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.
Russia is one of the countries that possess nuclear weapons. In your opinion, is it likely to be necessary for Russia to have nuclear weapons, or not? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||||||
| Total respondents | Ages 18-24 | Ages 25-34 | Ages 35-44 | Ages 45-59 | Ages 60 + |
Likely necessary | 83 | 71 | 79 | 82 | 83 | 88 |
Likely unnecessary | 11 | 18 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 6 |
Don’t know | 6 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
You have said that Russia needs nuclear weapons. Why do you think so? (open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of those with “likely necessary” answers; answers of at least 2% of respondents) | ||||||
| % of those with “likely necessary” answers | Ages 18-24 | Ages 25-34 | Ages 35-44 | Ages 45-59 | Ages 60 + |
Protection / defense / in case of an attack | 31 | 24 | 35 | 33 | 30 | 29 |
Political tool / pressing other countries / deterrence | 12 | 18 | 11 | 10 | 14 | 11 |
Poor attitudes towards Russia / external enemies / enemies around / many enemies | 11 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 17 |
No one will attack us / less likelihood of war/ guarantee of peace | 9 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 10 |
Country’s security/people’s security / pillar of security | 7 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
Other countries also have nuclear weapons | 7 | 21 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
To make others be afraid of us | 6 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
To make others respect us/listen to us/look up to us / weight/authority internationally | 5 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 7 |
Protection against the USA / Pressure from the USA / the USA also has nuclear weapons | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Balance of power / parity | 3 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
Big rich country / many resources/land / many nations would like to have our resources | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Country’s power/ be stronger | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
Just in case | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Sovereignty / independence | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Stability / calmness | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Uneasy situation in the world / lack of stability in the world | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
There would not be Russia without nuclear weapons / we would have been conquered long ago | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
Other | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Don’t know | 4 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
You have said that Russia does not need nuclear weapons. Why do you think so? (open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of those with “likely unnecessary” answers) | |
| % of those with “likely unnecessary” answers |
Against nuclear weapons / no one needs it / senseless | 28 |
Threat of nuclear war / it threatens humanity, peace, planet / it is extremely dangerous / it destroys everything | 27 |
No one wants a war / everyone supports peace | 20 |
Huge financial costs / people are poor; more funding is needed to make people’s living better | 7 |
All the issues should be tackled in a peaceful way / using diplomacy | 6 |
Used to inspire fear/ nuclear weapons facilitate arms race | 6 |
No one to make wars against | 6 |
We need good protection / I doubt the authorities are sensible | 3 |
It will never be used | 3 |
Other | 3 |
Don’t know | 5 |