All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center: In Case of Revolution in Minsk, Russia Shouldn’t Interfere :: Charter'97 :: News

More than a half of Russian citizens believe that in case a revolution would start in Minsk, it would be better for Russia to keep out. According to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center, the number of supporters of non-interference into such events in Belarus has grown by 12% over two years (previously 40% of respondents supported such actions). Besides, as compared with 2005, the share of people who think Alyaksandr Lukashenka should be supported in this case, has dropped from 24% to 12%. The number of people, who think Russian government should help political forces of Belarus to find understanding in a case of an uprising, has decreased as well (from 23% to 18%). Only 5% believe that Russian authorities should support forces in opposition to Lukashenka.

According to information of researchers, over the last two years the number of Russian citizens, who view prospects of creation of the “union state” of Russia and Belarus with optimism, has fallen by half (13% and 6%). The number of those who think process of integration of the two states is taking place, though slowly, has dropped as well, from 47% to 40%. The number of pessimistic evaluation has grown from 24% to 32%.

Respondents lay responsibility for hampering the process of the “union state” creation is upon the Belarusian side, primarily upon Belarusian president (28%), or oppositional forces (9%).

There are people who think the Russian side is responsible for hampering this process: Vladimir Putin (5%), and forces in opposition to him (4%). The number of those who blame Putin for that, has fallen twofold as compared with 2005 (from 10% to 5%). But the attitude of the Russians to this alliance has changed most of all. The number of those who do not think the union of Russia and Belarus is not necessary at all, has grown from 7% to 17%.

Two years ago 39% of respondents were in favour of creating a union of the two states on equal terms, and now only 29% of respondents support this form of the union. At the same time, an opinion that the both states need good neighbourly relations, but there is no need of a single state, is growing – 39% (as compared with 29% in 2005). The least popular view is that Belarus is to become a part of Russia as one or several subjects of the Russian federation. (23%).

More and more people hold neutral opinion about Lukashenka, they say Lukashenka does not appeal to all, but they respect the choice of the Belarusians (36% in 2004and 42% in 2007). There are 17% of people have a liking for this politician, while 22% wish the Belarusians to have a more decent president. The number of people having no particular opinion about Lukashenka has grown from 12% to 20%.

The emotional perception of the Belarusian president by Russians has changed. In September 2006 he caused mostly positive feelings, and less negative ones (in a proportion 2 to 1), now the number of positive and negative references is almost equal. In particular, the number of respondents respecting him has dropped (from 19% to 15%), sympathy (from 13% to 8%). The number of those who feel mistrust has grown (from 8% to 12%). The number of people stating their indifference towards Lukashenka, has grown from 28% to 35%, Rosbalt news agency informs.

The poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center took place on January 20-21. 1,600 citizens of Russia in 153 cities in 46 regions of Russia have been questioned.