Chronicles 3
Russians want the war to end
Between March 26th and 30th, we conducted the third wave of our survey. Our aim was to determine how the war is affecting the Russians’ psychological state as well as their financial situation, and how they feel about the prospect of the “special operation” continuing. We tried to find out how Russians perceive their future perspectives, the ongoing war, the imposed sanctions and the potential use of nuclear weapons.
How many Russians want the “special operation” to end?
32% of Russians want an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. 24% of the respondents prioritize the achievement of military objectives and capitulation of Ukraine and are against an unconditional ceasefire.
A third of Russians are suffering from anxiety and depression
32% of the respondents admitted to having suffered anxiety attacks and depressive episodes over the last month. When discussing political topics, one in five Russians has had a heated debate or a falling-out with their loved ones. A third of those who initially denied feeling anxious or depressed admitted to worrying due to a plethora of reasons upon further questioning. Here are some quotes regarding those reasons.
my son might get drafted
and sent to fight in Ukraine
the future
of my children
the war in Ukraine
my brothers or other male relatives might
get drafted and sent
to Ukraine
people are dying
low wages, “give state employees
a rise of 5000 roubles”
unemployment
our boys are fighting
for Russia
if only there wasn’t a war
I’m worried for my brother
who is in the army
the increase in prices, inability to leave the country, uncertainty about the future
rising prices
it’s horrible that our boys are dying there, the news is full of suffering children and old people
I’m anxious about the military operation, our children and grandchildren are dying
I don’t want young people to go to war, they are inexperienced and many of them die
I’m scared that my husband might get drafted
I don’t want to lose my job
Russians are getting poorer
39% of the respondents reported a decline in income, with approximately a half (48%) expecting a further deterioration of their financial situation. The negative impact is most acutely felt by the respondents self-identifying as low-income individuals, those who struggle to buy food and cannot afford new clothes and shoes.
Sanctions against the well-educated, the young and the poor?
41% of the respondents say they were affected by the imposed sanctions. These are predominantly young people between the ages of 24-35, working people, university degree holders and the poorest sectors of society (those who can barely afford food). Among the wealthier Russians (those who, if need be, could afford to buy an apartment or a house) the impact of the sanctions was felt considerably less, with only 23% of the respondents claiming to be affected.
What is the aim of the sanctions, according
to the Russians?
Most respondents (55%) think that the sanctions aim to weaken the Russian economy. Many (42%) also believe that the sanctions are meant to provoke widespread social discontent among the population. A fifth (21%) believes the main goal of the sanctions is to put an end to the “military operation”.
Does Russia need economic partnerships
with the West?
An unexpectedly high percentage (63%) of those affected by the sanctions believe that partnerships with the Western countries facilitate the growth of the Russian economy. Equally surprising is how likely the unaffected Russians are to think that Russia doesn’t need such partnerships (38%). On the whole, those in favor of economic cooperation with the West accounted for 53% of the respondents, while those against it comprised 33%.
What awaits the Russian society?
28% believe that tensions within society will grow. Conversely, another 28% expect the tensions to abate, while 27% think the levels of social discontent will remain unchanged.
Emigration
7%
of Russians reported that someone they’re close to emigrated within
the last month
10%
10% would like
to emigrate themselves
21%
21% of young people
are considering leaving Russia
What do the Russians think about the potential use of nuclear weapons?
88% of Russians are against the use of nuclear weapons by Russia 49% believe the use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable under any circumstances, while 39% think it is acceptable only as retaliation for a nuclear attack launched by other countries