War in Ukraine: 81 percent of Russians support aggressive war

THE MIRROR War in Ukraine: 81 percent of Russians support aggressive war Marc Röhlig - Yesterday at 2:00 p.m In the West, the invasion of Ukraine is often referred to as "Putin's war" - even though in Russia there is a majority behind the Kremlin. An independent survey in the country now breaks down where the few opponents of the war can be found. A large majority of Russians support the actions of Russian forces in Ukraine. This was the result of a representative survey by the Levada Center, the only independent opinion research institute in Russia. According to this, 81 percent of those surveyed spoke “definitely” or “rather” in favor of supporting the actions of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. Only 14 percent declined support, the remaining 6 percent remained undecided. Support is greatest among the older generation and the rural population. Approval for the invasion in Moscow and other major cities is somewhat less positive. In addition, 51 percent of those surveyed stated "pride" as the dominant feeling in relation to the invasion, while only 12 percent spoke of "shock". The young Russians took the clearest stand against Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin's war of aggression – even if those who opposed it remain in the minority. 20 percent of those surveyed between the ages of 18 and 24 reject the war, 71 percent agree with it. In the highest age group, aged 55 and over, a total of 86 percent support the war, according to Lewada pollsters. Great faith in Kremlin reading When it comes to the reasons for the war, most respondents agree with the Kremlin's interpretation: 42 percent of respondents believe that Russia launched its "special operation" to protect the "Russian-speaking population" and "civilians" in eastern Ukraine, while 25 percent believe so should "prevent an attack on Russia". In Russia, it is a punishable offense to speak of "war" or "invasion" in reference to them. The Kremlin describes the attack, which violates international law, as a “military operation”. Before ordering the attack, Putin had claimed that Ukraine was historically part of Russia. He also wants to protect Russian-speaking people in Ukraine from the supposedly "fascist" government in Kyiv. Putin did not present any evidence of an alleged genocide against Russians in Ukraine. Of the few respondents who oppose the war in Russia, the majority gave the reasoning that civilians were suffering and people were dying as a result of the conflict. A fifth of those questioned also said that the Russian armed forces should not “interfere with another country”. In the past, pollsters at the Levada Center have stressed how difficult it is to conduct polls on Ukraine. Even before the war began on February 24, people refused to speak because they were afraid or tired of the subject of a possible military confrontation. In view of the tightened laws, it can now be assumed that those Russians in particular who are against the war are no longer willing to take part in anonymous surveys themselves.