Kremlin's survey on conflict support faces credibility crisis
According to a Kremlin-commissioned survey, the majority of Russians support the conflict with Ukraine. However, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War question the credibility of these results, highlighting their propagandistic nature.
The Russian authorities commissioned a survey indicating that 67 per cent of Russians support the conflict with Ukraine, which the Kremlin refers to as a "special military operation." Nevertheless, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that these results may be manipulated to reflect the Kremlin's narrative, reports Polsat News.
Survey under expert scrutiny
According to the All-Russian Centre for Public Opinion Research, 65 per cent of Russians believe the conflict benefits their country. However, the poll's director, Mychajło Mamonow, admits that the public is disappointed with military failures and economic hardships.
ISW analysts point out that the survey comes as Russia grapples with increasing losses on the front and economic problems. The results may, therefore, be an attempt to improve the government's image in the face of these challenges.
Political context
"Ukrainska Pravda" reminds us that the Kremlin is increasing social benefits for the military to support further recruitment into the army. This move may be an attempt to maintain support for the conflict among the public.
While the survey results favour the Kremlin, experts question them, emphasising their propagandistic nature. Given economic and military difficulties, support for the conflict may be significantly lower.
What are Russians afraid of?
Residents of Ukraine are more concerned in 2025 with rising prices and economic problems than with possible shelling and the occupation of more territories by Russia, according to a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological group.
According to the study, 33 per cent of Ukrainians are most worried about rising inflation, while 32 per cent fear a deterioration in the economic situation. Only 27 per cent of respondents are concerned about an increase in shelling, and 25 per cent see a threat in the further occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Other concerns of Ukrainians include a demographic crisis (18 per cent), the restriction of international aid from the US (17 per cent), and potential power and heating outages (16 per cent). A political crisis was identified as one of the country's key problems by 14 per cent of respondents.
