Most of Russians oppose the idea to send Russian troops to Ukraine; however every fifth thinks that it may happen if something threatens Russia.

MOSCOW, July 7, 2014. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the information concerning the following questions: whether a war between Russia and Ukraine is possible in the short run; whether Russia should send troops to southeastern Ukraine, and in what circumstances Russia could do that; what Russians can help Ukrainians with.

The share of respondents who think that a war may start between Russia and Ukraine has considerably increased over the recent months - from 17% in the end of March to 30% in June. At the same time, the share of those who think that this scenario is not possible has substantially decreased: 54% (14% - “absolutely impossible”; 40% - “hardly possible”); in March this share made up 80%. Finally, 11% say that the war is going now.

Two-thirds of Russians (66%) oppose sending troops to Ukraine to stop the conflict. Those who think so are mainly elderly respondents (71% aged over 60), and residents of big and middle cities (74-75%). One-quarter of Russians think that military intervention is needed (27%); they are mainly residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg (41%), CPRF supporters (35%), and respondents with low level of income (35%).

One-third of respondents (33%) say that Russia should never do that. One-fifth of Russians say that Russia can send troops if ordinary people go on dying in Ukraine (18%), in case of a terrorist threat on Russia`s territory (18%), or if Russian check-points are being attacked on Russian-Ukrainian border (18%). Thirteen percent say that a war may start if NATO troops enter the Ukrainian territory. Ten percent say that Russia should satisfy the request of the Donetsk and Luhansk authorities to enter troops. Seven percent say that deaths involving journalists may be a reason. Other 7% report that military intervention is possible in case of train and gas pipeline sabotage. Only 3% say that everything that happened is already a reason to start a war.

Most of Russians are ready to help the refugees coming to Russia from Ukraine. Humanitarian help (products, warm clothes et cet.) is mentioned by 44%. Every fifth (21%) could transfer money to special foundations. Nineteen percent of respondents could distribute information about the refugees` needs. Nine percent would accommodate refugees at their houses or flats.

The VCIOM opinion poll was conducted on June 21-22, 28-29, 2014. 1600 respondents were interviewed in 130 communities in 42 regions of Russia. Data are weighted by gender, age, education, working status and type of settlement.  The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.

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!