Nearly half of Russians nonetheless have pleasant emotions in the direction of the West regardless of years of hostile propaganda, a brand new ballot has proven in a snapshot of the EU’s big neighbour on the eve of elections there.
Some 44 p.c of Russians advised the Levada pollster that Russia ought to deal with the West as an “ally”, whereas 29 p.c designated it as a “rival”, the research, printed on Wednesday (8 September), discovered.
Professional-Western concepts had extra traction amongst folks aged 18 to 24, 55 p.c of whom voiced approval. It was lowest amongst these aged 55 or over, simply 33 p.c of whom did so.
Sentiment was additionally hotter towards the EU, which 46 p.c of individuals rated positively, in comparison with 39 p.c for the US.
The professional-Western feeling was barely increased than in January, however had dipped to decrease ranges in Might, earlier than recovering to current figures.
In the meantime, 57 p.c of Russians acknowledged that their nation was “remoted” on the world stage on account of Western sanctions, whereas 38 p.c felt it was not.
And the pro-Western sympathies nonetheless stood at decrease ranges than those that accepted of China (70 p.c) or these of Belarus (82 p.c), despite the fact that Belarus had disgraced itself by brutalising opposition members over the previous yr.
The snapshot of the Russian temper got here shortly forward of parliamentary elections on 17 September.
Levada, which has been stigmatised as a “international agent” below Russian legislation, additionally stated, in a separate ballot, that 48 p.c of Russians felt their nation was on the suitable path, whereas 44 p.c felt the alternative, in numbers which stayed secure in latest months.
Russian president Vladimir Putin’s private approval ranking dipped to 61 p.c in August from 67 p.c in Might, nonetheless.
Regardless of this, fewer Russians anticipated the nation to see large-scale protests for both financial or political causes – 26 to 27 p.c in August, in comparison with 43 to 45 p.c in January.
However on the similar time, extra folks voiced readiness to participate, indicating a cut up in Russian society.
Some 19 p.c stated in August they’d participate in political rallies and 24 p.c in protests over the financial system, in comparison with 15 p.c and 17 p.c, respectively, in Might.