Russian support for the Ukraine war questioned in a survey, and results show propaganda concerns
According to a survey commissioned by the Kremlin, the majority of Russians support the war with Ukraine. However, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War question the credibility of these results, pointing out their propagandistic nature.
The Russian authorities commissioned a survey showing that 67 percent of Russians support the war with Ukraine, which the Kremlin refers to as a "special military operation." Nevertheless, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) analysts highlight that these results may be manipulated to reflect the Kremlin's narrative.
Survey under expert scrutiny
According to the All-Russian Center for Public Opinion Research, 65 percent 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 attempt to maintain support for the war among the public.
While the survey results favor the Kremlin, experts question them, emphasizing their propagandistic nature. Given economic and military difficulties, support for the war 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 percent of Ukrainians are most worried about rising inflation, while 32 percent fear a deterioration in the economic situation. Only 27 percent of respondents are concerned about an increase in shelling, and 25 percent see a threat in the further occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Other concerns of Ukrainians include a demographic crisis (18 percent), the restriction of international aid from the US (17 percent), and potential power and heating outages (16 percent). A political crisis was identified as one of the key problems for the country by 14 percent of respondents.
