MOSCOW, 30 December 2022. Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) presents the findings of a survey devoted to the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the USSR; the survey is part of a joint project with RT.
The Soviet Union was dissolved more than thirty years ago but it is still alive in the memory of both old adults and the young. And those memories are warm and positive. This is confirmed by the associations given by Russians when they hear “Soviet Union”: stability (16%), young age, careless childhood (15%), good time (15%), unity, cohesion, friendship between peoples and mutual help (13%), great country (5%), social justice (5%), everything is cheap and affordable (5%). Other positive associations are as follows: stable work and salary (4%), pioneer movement (4%), free education (3%), union of republics (3%), well-being (3%), quality education (3%), patriotism (3%), economic growth (3%), victory in the Great Patriotic War (3%). These responses are more likely to refer to fair social structure than the economic and political environment. Negative connotations are less common: deficit, food stamps (4%), repressions (4%) and separation of republics (2%). This shows that in the public mind the image of the USSR is full of positive narratives.
Childhood/young age is the dominant association among Russians aged 35 and older; the older the respodnents, the more often they say that the USSR was a good time. Associations of those aged 18-24 refer to historic markers. Top 3 associations across different age groups:
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Every second Russian is confident that there were more good things in the USSR (51%); and only 5% say the opposite; a further 38% consider that there were both good things and bad things. The older the person, the more often he/she finds more good things in the Soviet era: this opinion is shared by 63% of respondents aged 60 and older (vs 31% of young Russians). Young respondents tend to think that there were both good things and bad things during the Soviet era (48% and 43% among the 18-24-year-olds and the 25-34-year-olds, respectively).
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The list of the most significant Soviet achievements is headed by the space program (launch of the first satellite and the first flight human spaceflight) mentioned by half of Russians (55%). Other major achievements include victory in the Great Patriotic War (13%), industrial development (12%), development of science and technology, best scientists (10%), and nuclear weapons, nuclear power (10%). Russians also mention social benefits such as free education and healthcare (9% and 6% respectively), defense industry (6%), advancements in agriculture (5%) and sport (4%), economy and construction (4%, each).
A positive image of the Soviet Union and an extended list of the Soviet achievements is declarative not only of the positive attitudes towards the USSR but also of the values (stability, cohesion, social benefits, scientific development) the modern society show demand for.
The past that cannot be returned
More than half of Russians regret the collapse of the USSR (58%); 20% do not; a further 13% say they are indifferent. In 2005, the percentage of those who regretted was bigger (66%), and that of those who were indifferent was smaller (6%). Generation boundaries and personal experience of living in the Soviet Union draw a distinction in attitudes towards the collapse of the USSR. Those who tend to regret more than others are respondents aged 45 and older (70% of the 45-59-year-olds and 81% of those who are 60 and older). Young generation tends to have a relaxed attitude towards this historic event – 40% of the 18-24-year-olds are indifferent (three times more often than Russians in general); about 19% feel regret.
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The list of reasons why Russians regret the USSR collapse is headed by the sense of unity, cohesion and friendship (26%). This is followed by stability, great power, better life (9%, each), separation of republics (9%). Growing dislike between the republics, wars and falling living standards were mentioned by 8% (each). Other reasons: higher level of social policies and economy in the USSR, jobs for everyone (7%, each), free medicine and education (6% and 5% respectively). Least common answers were related to loss of territories, border closure, decreased population, ideological break-up and low prices (4%, each). So feeling nostalgic about the USSR is mainly caused by a sense of belonging to a large, friendly nation, a sense of having been part of a great power.
Those who do not regret the break-up of the Soviet Union often point to economic aspects, transition to market (16%). This is followed by “the past cannot be returned” (15%); the same percentage of respondents mention political changes – transition to democracy (15%); a further 9% point to fall of the iron curtain and open foreign policy. Economic and political environment in the modern Russian society looks more successful in the views of respondents from this group; they find such factors determining.
As in the previous year, half of Russians say they want the USSR back (48%; 48% in 2021). The share is higher among men (53% vs. 44% of women) and grows with age: it hits 58% in the group of those aged 60+, which is twice as large compared to 27% of the 18-24-year-old Russians. Urbanization rate is another factor: inhabitants of rural area gave positive answers in 60% of cases (vs. 31% of the metropolitan residents). Thirty-seven percent of respondents do not want the USSR back. They are mainly young Russians aged 18-24 (54%), persons who are satisfied with their income (45%), inhabitants of Moscow and St Petersburg (60%), million-plus cities (47%),active Internet users (50%) and those who live in Northwestern federal district (45%).
Despite the fact that the percentage of Russians who support restoration of the USSR is higher than the percentage of those who do not, a majority is confident that today this is not possible (67%). A third of Russians believe this is possible (27%). In 2006, the percentages were similar (69% did not believe; 24% believed); last year most of Russians gave negative answers (72%).
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VCIOM-Sputnik Initiative all-Russian survey was conducted December 16, 2022. A total of 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over 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 according to 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.
Key effectiveness indicators, December 16, 2022 survey:
cooperation rate (CR) = 0.8539;
minimum response rate (MRR) = 0.0222;
response rate (RR) = 0.1238.
The Soviet Union was formed on December 30, 1922. What associations do you have when you hear “Soviet Union”, what comes first to your mind? 2-3 responses can be given (open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of total respondents) | ||||||
Total respondents | Ages 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60 + | |
Stability / confidence in the future / calmness / reliability | 16 | 4 | 13 | 18 | 24 | 14 |
Childhood / Young age / careless childhood / I was born/grown up in the USSR | 15 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 24 | 16 |
Positive things / good time / everything was fine / better / life was good | 15 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 20 | 22 |
Friendship between peoples / unity / cohesion / fraternity / mutual help / kindness | 13 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Grandeur / great country / power / empire / strong country/ strength | 5 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
Everything’s cheap/affordable / cheap products | 5 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 5 |
Justice / social justice / protection | 5 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
Deficit / food stamps / queues | 4 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
There was job / stable job / salary was paid in a timely manner | 4 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
Pioneer development / red tie / pioneer camp | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
Restricted rights and freedoms / repressions / totalitarianism | 3 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Free education | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
Big country / union of republics | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
Well-being / prosperity / good salaries, pensions | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
Good/quality education | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
Pride for the country/Motherland / patriotism | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
Economic growth / industrial development / construction / development / industrialization | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Great Patriotic War / victory / Victory Day | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
Equality / equal rights | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Stalin | 2 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Nostalgia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
Free medicine | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
It’s a pity it was dissolved | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
Communism / communists / communism construction | 2 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Peace / peace, labor, May | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
Dissolution of the state / separation of republics / USSR collapse | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Free/affordable housing / apartments were given | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Caring for people / social benefits / social policy / everything for the people | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Quality products/goods / GOST | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Gagarin / space | 2 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Other | 8 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 6 | 6 |
Don’t know | 12 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 10 |
Today people have different opinions on the role of the Soviet Union. Do you think there were more good or bad things in the USSR? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |||||||||
Total respondents | Men | Women | Ages 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60 + |
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More good things | 51 | 55 | 47 | 31 | 33 | 49 | 57 | 63 |
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More bad things | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 1 |
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Equally bad and good things | 38 | 33 | 43 | 48 | 43 | 39 | 36 | 34 |
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Don’t know | 6 | 7 | 5 | 14 | 14 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
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In your opinion, were there significant achievements during the Soviet Union era? If there were any, what are the most significant ones? (open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of total respondents) | ||||||||
| Total respondents | Men | Women | Ages 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60 + |
Space program / launching the first satellite/ first human spaceflight / Gagarin | 55 | 61 | 51 | 40 | 49 | 53 | 61 | 61 |
Victory in the Great Patriotic War | 13 | 17 | 9 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 16 | 7 |
Industrial development / factories / industrialization | 12 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 13 |
Development of science and technology / discoveries / best scientists | 10 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 15 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Nuclear weapons / nuclear power | 10 | 14 | 6 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 8 | 9 |
Free education / everyone was literate / best education | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 13 |
Medical achievements / free healthcare services / vaccine engineering | 6 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
Defense industry / army | 6 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
Achievements in agriculture/ rise of virgin lands | 5 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
Olympiad / sports achievements / hockey | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Economic development / economic growth | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
Construction | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
Social policy / guarantees / benefits | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
Construction of Baikal-Amur Mainline | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
Free housing | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
Country’s development / reconstruction after the Great Patriotic War | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Cohesion / people lived in a friendly manner | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
No unemployment/ available jobs / guaranteed jobs after studies | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
Development of culture and arts/ ballet | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
Foreign policy / there was peace / we were respected | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Other | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Don’t know | 22 | 14 | 29 | 39 | 30 | 27 | 16 | 14 |
Do you regret the collapse of the USSR, or not? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |||
| 2005 | 2022 |
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Yes | 66 | 58 |
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No | 23 | 20 |
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Indifferent | 6 | 13 |
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Don’t know | 5 | 9 |
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Do you regret the collapse of the USSR, or not? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||||||||
Total respondents | Men | Women | Ages 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60 + | |
Yes | 58 | 62 | 55 | 19 | 27 | 53 | 70 | 81 |
No | 20 | 18 | 20 | 33 | 28 | 22 | 19 | 9 |
Indifferent | 13 | 12 | 14 | 40 | 26 | 15 | 5 | 4 |
Don’t know | 9 | 8 | 11 | 8 | 19 | 10 | 6 | 6 |
What is the reason why you regret the collapse of the USSR? 2-3 responses possible (open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of those who regret) | |
Everyone was friendly / no unity / nationalism appeared | 26 |
There was stability / confidence in the future | 9 |
There was a great, strong, mighty power / everyone was afraid of us, we were respected | 9 |
Life was better | 9 |
Dissolution of the country / separation of republics | 9 |
Relationships between the republics worsened / wars | 8 |
Fall in living standards / population impoverishment | 8 |
Social policy / justice / everyone was equal | 7 |
Everyone had a job/ unemployment | 7 |
Everything was run by the state / economic fall / break-up of economic ties | 7 |
Free education / education worsened | 6 |
There was free healthcare / healthcare worsened | 5 |
There were no boundaries / we could move freely | 4 |
Loss of territories / decrease in population | 4 |
Ideology break-up / cultural values disappeared / lack of patriotism / degradation of the young people | 4 |
There were low prices / now everything is too expensive | 4 |
Break-up of kinship ties / many people stayed abroad | 3 |
Industrial and agricultural break-up | 3 |
Free housing was given | 3 |
Change of political regime | 3 |
The country rolled back in its development/ everything broke up | 2 |
Everything was calm / there was no crime | 2 |
Everything was fine / I regret its dissolution | 2 |
Foreign partners played a trick on our country / Gorbachev’s role | 2 |
Products were high quality and natural | 2 |
There was a sense of protection / army dissolution / no safety | 2 |
Russia lost its status / attitudes of the countries changed | 2 |
Other | 4 |
Don’t know | 7 |
What is the reason why you do not regret the collapse of the USSR? 2-3 responses possible (open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of those who regret) | |
Now the economy is better / there were economic problems, shortage of goods / now we have market economy | 16 |
The past / history / it’s another stage /times goes by / it outlived itself / imminence | 15 |
Lawlessness / freedom, democracy appeared | 15 |
Foreign policy, relations with the world /iron curtain / openness appeared | 9 |
I didn’t live in that time | 8 |
Now it’s better / living was hard | 7 |
Development of the country / reforms | 6 |
Poverty / living standards increased | 6 |
Russia’s independence/independence of republics | 5 |
Wrong policy/ mistakes of the authorities | 4 |
It fed all the republics / subsidies to republics | 3 |
National policy was wrong / nations are different | 3 |
Social policy improved | 2 |
Now there are more opportunities | 2 |
Ideology | 2 |
Other | 5 |
Don’t know | 19 |
Would you like the USSR to be restored today, or not? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |||
| 2021 | 2022 |
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Likely yes | 48 | 48 |
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Likely no | 40 | 37 |
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Don’t know | 12 | 15 |
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Would you like the USSR to be restored today, or not? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |||||||||
| Total respondents | Men | Women | Ages 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60 + |
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Likely yes | 48 | 53 | 44 | 27 | 39 | 45 | 53 | 58 |
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Likely no | 37 | 35 | 39 | 54 | 42 | 40 | 33 | 30 |
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Don’t know | 15 | 12 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 14 | 12 |
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In your opinion, is it possible to restore a united Union of the former Soviet republics today? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||||
| 2006 | 2021 | 2022 |
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Definitely yes | 6 | 7 | 5 |
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Likely yes | 18 | 16 | 22 |
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Likely no | 42 | 32 | 41 |
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Definitely no | 27 | 40 | 25 |
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Don’t know | 7 | 5 | 7 |
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In your opinion, is it possible to restore a united Union of the former Soviet republics today? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |||||||||
Total respondents | Men | Women | Ages 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60 + |
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Definitely yes | 5 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 7 |
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Likely yes | 22 | 23 | 22 | 27 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 18 |
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Likely no | 41 | 36 | 45 | 46 | 36 | 40 | 42 | 43 |
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Definitely no | 25 | 30 | 22 | 17 | 31 | 25 | 27 | 24 |
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Don’t know | 7 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 8 |
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