Page 42 - RusRPTSept23

Nearly two-thirds overall are concerned that the war in Ukraine will lead to increased threats to democracy elsewhere (65%) or lead to Russian attacks elsewhere (64%), and about 6 in 10 are worried it could lead to a broader war in Europe (59%).
A recent study conducted by the Kyiv-based Institute of Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (ICAR) 60-62% of Russians would like to see the war against Ukraine to end swiftly, however, they don’t think that Russia should pay for any damage done to Ukarine.
The study, which involved telephone interviews and monitoring of Russian media over a nine-month period, reveals various sentiments prevalent within Russian society.
Surprisingly, many of these individuals would be open to accepting Russia's return of all occupied territories to Ukraine, provided that Russian propaganda promotes such a narrative. This suggests that a substantial portion of the population is influenced by state-sponsored media narratives.
Even among those who do not identify strongly with the fervently pro-war "Z-patriot" movement, there is a notable lack of accountability for the war's consequences. Despite the considerable damage inflicted on Ukraine, Russians generally reject the idea of Russia paying reparations to Ukraine.
One concerning aspect highlighted by the study is Russians' potential willingness to support military actions against other countries, such as Kazakhstan, the Baltic states, and Georgia. A mere 14-17% of respondents indicated a steadfast opposition to such military aggression under any circumstances. The majority expressed openness to being persuaded to support invasions of these nations, particularly if presented with similar justifications that Russia used to rationalise its attack on Ukraine.
Of particular concern is the finding that many Russians are receptive to propaganda narratives employed by the Kremlin to justify its actions. This includes the belief that there are Nazis in power in Ukraine, which forms a basis for their acceptance of the ongoing conflict.
Furthermore, Russians tend to believe that the events of 24 February 2022 were orchestrated as a trap by the United States. This belief is held by approximately three-quarters of the respondents, indicating a significant level of suspicion towards international actors in the context of the conflict.
The study's findings highlight the complex interplay between media narratives, public sentiment, and geopolitical dynamics in shaping Russians' perceptions of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The share of Russians who, in order to save money, plan to reduce their
RUSSIA Country Report September 2023 www.intellinews.com