Foreign Policy Matters: Russians Predict Victory in Ukraine
Three in Four Russians Expect Military Victory over Ukraine
Nearly three years into Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, everyday Russians are confident their country will end up on top. A new Council-Levada Center survey finds a majority support the continued military action (78%) and think Moscow will emerge victorious (76%) over Kyiv.
At the same time, however, there are some indications that public resolve toward continuing the conflict could be softening. More Russians than ever before (61% in 2025, up from 54% in 2024) now believe it is time to start peace negotiations rather than maintain military operations.
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The Data Dimension
Perhaps influenced by the ongoing war, the Russian public has shifted its vision for Moscow’s role in the world. More than half now say they want their country to be seen as a great power that is respected and feared by other nations (55%), while four in 10 (41%) prefer Russia to be a country with a high standard of living, even if it’s not the most powerful.
What We're Watching
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