14 December 2021. VCIOM presents the findings of a survey on the attitudes of Russians towards Ukraine and Ukrainians.  

A vast majority of Russians (52%) treat Ukrainians as a fraternal nation (57-62% of older generation); 31% of Russians have neutral attitudes (42-62% of young respondents). Only 11% consider that Ukrainians are hostile towards Russians.  

What is Ukraine to Russia? Russians largely perceive Ukraine as a fraternal country (29%) or just as a neighboring country (26%). Some Russians say Ukraine is a friendly state or a threat to Russia (12%, each). Other viewpoints are less popular: 9% believe that Ukraine is hostile; 4% think it is a strategic partner; 1% of respondents view it as a competitor. Opinions have not changed much since 2019.

Every fifth Russian (21%) is currently keeping a close eye on the developments in Ukraine (23-42% of older generation); 43% do it from time to time; 36% do not keep track of the events (51-69% of young respondents).

All-Russian VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted December 10, 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.