Interest in the ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine is gradually waning, although a significant portion of respondents still express concern over the situation. Support for the actions of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine remains high, albeit with a slight decline since March. A majority of respondents attribute the destruction and civilian casualties in Ukraine to NATO countries.

According to a recent survey, 59% of respondents are closely following the situation in Ukraine, with 26% monitoring it “very closely” and 33% “fairly closely.” However, attention has started to decrease over the past month. Older individuals, particularly those aged 55 and above, are the most attentive, with 71% following closely. In contrast, only 36% of the youngest age group, 18-24 years, are similarly engaged.

Overall, 82% of those surveyed express concern about the events in Ukraine, with 46% being “very concerned” and 36% “somewhat concerned.” The level of concern varies by age group, with 67% of the 18-24 age group expressing concern, while 90% of those aged 55 and above are worried, including 60% who are very concerned.

Respondents are most troubled by the loss of life, destruction, suffering, and captivity (47%), the fact of the military operation itself (26%), and uncertainty about the future (13%). Support for the Russian military’s actions in Ukraine stood at 74% in April, with 45% “definitely supporting” and 29% “somewhat supporting.” This marks a slight decline from March.

Most respondents (68%) believe the “special military operation” is progressing successfully, while 17% disagree. Confidence in the operation’s success is lowest among the 18-24 age group. Older generations tend to view the operation more positively.

Reasons for perceiving the operation as successful include the belief that “everything is going according to plan” (27%) and “liberating cities/territories” (25%). Conversely, those who view it as unsuccessful cite prolonged duration (48%) and civilian and military casualties (31%).

Regarding the outcome, 73% of respondents believe the operation will end in Russia’s victory, while 15% think neither side will prevail. Few believe in a Ukrainian victory. Over half of the respondents (57%) hold the US and NATO responsible for the casualties and destruction in Ukraine, with 17% blaming Ukraine and only 7% blaming Russia.

The survey was conducted by the Levada Center from April 21-27, 2022, with a representative sample of 1,616 Russian adults across 137 locations. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4% for figures close to 50% and varies for other percentages. The Levada Center is registered as a foreign agent organization.

Read more at levada.ru