Page 26 - RusRPTOct21

Russians’ positive attitudes toward China (70%) andelarus (82%) far exceed their positive views of Ukraine (39%) and Georgia (55%), which both have strained relations with their larger neighbor. Positive views toward the US (39%) and European Union (46%) also lagged far behind those of Russia’s allies. Yet positive attitudes toward the West and Ukraine are gradually improving following a notable drop in spring 2021, Levada’s latest results said.
Levada also said that 44% of Russians Believe that Russia should treat the West as an ally while 29% say it should be treated as a rival, 13% as a friend and 5% as an enemy. Younger Russians aged 18-24 were most likely to favor treating the West as an ally (50%) or as a friend (21%) compared to Russians aged 55 and older, who were most likely to back treating the West as a rival (33%).
Russia’s 2020 temperatures were a record 3.22 degrees Celsius above the historical average, according to a new draft report by Environment Ministry experts published on September 6. The spike represents the first time temperatures have been over 3C higher than the norm since measurements began in 1936. Last year’s anomaly at the previous record seen in 2007 by more than 1 C, the report said. Winter 2019-2020 was also the warmest winter since 1936 in allut two Russian regions, with nationwide temperatures 5 C higher than the 1961-1990 average. Russia is a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement which seeks to keep global warming within 2 C above pre-industrial levels — a goal that UN climate experts warned is at risk of becoming impossible if urgent action isn’t taken to cut carbon emissions. Nearly three-quarters — 72% — of Russia’s territory experienced an extreme weather event of some kind in 2020, according to the report. In 2020, Russia’s Emergencies Ministry reported 104 weather emergencies nationwide, more than double the number recorded the previous year. The number of dangerous flooding events doubled, forest fires quadrupled and hurricanes and severe storms rose tenfold over 2019 levels.
What political system do Russians prefer?
- Western-styled democracy 16% (rising since post-Crimea low) - Current system 18% (lowest since 2000)
- Soviet system 49% (highest since 1996).
This Levada poll shows Putin fatigue more than anything else.
How should Russia treat the West?
- as an ally 44%
- as a friend 13%
- as a rival 29%
- as an enemy 5%
Nothing surprising in this Levada Centre poll, if you know Russia. This framing is new, so no dynamics yet. Previously, 67% chose “as a partner” option.
26 RUSSIA Country Report October 2021 www.intellinews.com