Russians Recognized Lukashenka “Tricky and Perfidious” :: Charter'97 :: News

In January 2007 Yuri Levada Analytical Center held an opinion poll among the Russians on the topic of their attitude t Belarus and its president. About one third of respondents called Lukashenka a” tricky and cunning politician”. Almost the same number is sure that he is a “respected leader of the Belarusian nation”. 10% of people view the Belarsuian dictator as “the last dictator of Europe”, and 5% as “the only real friend of Russia”, Interfax informs.

Experts also note that recently the number of people speaking about their good attitude towards Belarus has dwindled. In 2003 almost 90% of respondents held this view, while in the beginning of 2007 there are about 73% of such people.

According to Levada Center, Russia’s decision to rise gas costs for Belarus has been supported by 52% of Russian citizens, a little more than 25% of respondents voted against.

In case Minsk would take counter measures, 38% of Russian citizens would support economic sanctions against the sister nation. 16% of respondents suggest taking Belarus to an international court, while 2% to call in the military.