Majority of Russians Supporting Putin Favor Opposite Policies, New Survey Reveals

According to a recent survey conducted by the Levada Center and reported by Meduza and RFE/RL’s Current Time, Russian leader Vladimir Putin continues to maintain a significant level of support among the populace, even as many of his supporters express preferences that contradict the Kremlin’s actual policies. The survey, conducted from September 10 to 17, 2024, indicates that approximately 78% of respondents affirm their support for Putin’s presidency.

Notably, the survey reveals that a substantial majority of those who back Putin’s leadership also advocate for policies diverging from the government’s current direction. Specifically, 83% of supporters believe the government should prioritize domestic social and economic issues, while 61% favor pursuing peace in Ukraine through mutual concessions.

Additionally, 43% of participants expressed a desire to restore relations with Western nations, contrasting sharply with the 25% who supported full mobilization for the ongoing war against Ukraine. The Kremlin has largely refrained from implementing a full military draft, opting instead for limited mobilization and sourcing military personnel from various groups, including volunteers and migrant workers.

Among those who do not support Putin, the survey found that 92% want the government to focus on domestic matters, and 79% favor a peace agreement with Ukraine. Furthermore, 90% of non-supporters advocate for improved relations with the West, while only 13% support military mobilization.

Despite widespread public support for peace and negotiations, Putin maintains Moscow’s broad objectives, including the “demilitarization” and “de-Nazification” of Ukraine.