MOSCOW, 23 September 2025. VCIOM Analytical Center presents the findings of a survey describing how Russian views on what is important for Russia have changed over twenty-five years.

What does Russia need?

Since 2000s there have been considerable changes in public demand in Russia. A quarter of a century ago, after the 1990 crisis (when democracy was associated with chaos rather than order, and a ‘strong hand” became a symbol of stability), a strong leader and a strong state became dominant. Today those needs have been met, and public opinion shows that a demand for power has evolved into a demand for meanings, value foundations (cultural identity, spirituality, patriotism, the revival of traditions), and quality of life. Although the idea of a strong leader and state is still important (especially in older generations), in general it is not an absolute priority for Russians anymore. In other words, people seek not only a tool to establish order but also a source of moral support.

At the same tie, democratic institutions and national idea are less urgent for Russia, according to findings. An exception is young generations (Digital generation and Younger millennials) who prize democracy above all. This can be translated into a more active participation in the life of the country.

Hard to grasp!

A majority of Russians, whatever their age, are confident that reforms in Russia should rely on domestic traditions and historical experience, and not on foreign role models. At the same time, today, compared to 2000, external cues are perceived in a different way, which can be referred to as “switch to the East”: interest in the U.S. and the Western countries is in decline, whereas interest in Asian role models, such as China and successful East Asian countries, is on the rise.

• Men are twice more likely to consider a communist China to be a good role model; women often choose an authentic Russia.
• Those who are more interested in China are older Russians; every fourth Russian who belongs to the Thaw generation chose this answer option.

All-Russian VCIOM-Sputnik telephone survey was conducted July 26, 2025. A total of 1,600 respondents aged 18 and older took part in the survey. Survey method: telephone interview, stratified random sample based on a complete list of mobile phone numbers in use in Russia. The data were weighted for socio-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.

Key effectiveness indicators, survey of July 26, 2025: cooperation rate (CR)* = 0.7166; minimum response rate (MRR)** = 0.0141; response rate (RR)*** = 0.1184. Calculations are based on corporate standard:

* CR: the number of complete interviews divided by the sum of: а) complete interviews and b) non-interviews with eligible respondents.

** MRR: the number of complete interviews divided by the sum of: а) complete interviews, b) interrupted interviews after successful screening and c) all the respondents where it is unknown whether they meet the selected criteria or not.

** RR is calculated in the same way as MRR, with the only difference that the number of respondents with unknown eligibility decreases proportional to the percentage of eligible cases in the total number of respondents with identified eligibility or non-eligibility.

* Before 2017, surveys were conducted through household face-to-face interviews (Express project); stratified multi-stage sample, with quotas based on socio-demographic parameters; representative of the Russian population aged 18+, according to type of settlement, gender, age, education and federal district. Sample size: 1,600 respondents.

 * Before 2017, surveys were conducted through household face-to-face interviews (Express project); stratified multi-stage sample, with quotas based on socio-demographic parameters; representative of the Russian population aged 18+, according to type of settlement, gender, age, education and federal district. Sample size: 1,600 respondents.

** In 2000 this option was not offered.

Author: Tatyana Smak