Moscow - Russians are divided over the ongoing events in eastern Ukraine. A third says Moscow should support the militia; a third proposes not to interfere, and another third says Russia should mediate peace talks, the Russian Public Opinion Study Center (VTsIOM) reported. It polled 1,600 adults in 42 regions of Russia on July 12-13.
35 percent of the respondents suggested Russia act as an
intermediary in the Ukrainian conflict and organize negotiations between
the Kyiv authorities and the east. The opinion was mostly expressed by
Muscovites and St. Petersburg residents (43 percent) and people in other
million-plus cities (42 percent).
30 percent called for support to the people in eastern Ukraine.
28 percent proposed not to get involved in the Ukrainian
conflict and only 1 percent said Moscow should take the side of the Kyiv
authorities.
The respondents who want Russia to be involved claimed “fraternal
people were dying” (29 percent) and insisted on the need to protect the Russian
borders (8 percent). Yet, 54 percent of them could not validate their opinion.
Those opposed to the Russian involvement in the Ukrainian conflict
said Moscow should not interfere in the affairs of the sovereign state
(37 percent) and feared the beginning of a Russian-Ukrainian war (14 percent) or a
negative reaction of the West (11 percent).
As to the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics, a
third of the respondents said Moscow should not interfere (36 percent vs. 45 percent
in April). More Russians are in favor of the recognition of the Donetsk
and Luhansk people’s republics (26 percent vs. 13 percent in April). 15 percent
proposed to help those territories broaden their autonomy within Ukraine
(12 percent in April).
Fewer people want Donbas to join Russia (12 percent vs. 18 percent in April).
Sixty percent believe Russia should give humanitarian assistance to
Donbas, and 44 percent call for diplomatic assistance. Twelve percent suggested
financial support, and another 12 percent called for arms deliveries.
