Most Russians little concerned about Russia's international isolation - Pravda

Most Russians little concerned about Russia's international isolation

 

Pravda

 

28-08-2014

 

 

 

 

 

According to opinion polls, the Russians show little concerns about international isolation of the country and food sanctions against the West. Many notice, though, that prices on many food products have grown recently.

 

According to the poll of Levada Center, the majority of Russians are little concerned about international isolation of the country. Thirty-two percent of the polled are concerned about this problem, while 65 percent do not worry about the problem.

 

As for the attitude of Russian people towards Western sanctions, the figures are roughly the same: 32 vs. 66 percent. Many Russians believe that the sanctions affect only a very narrow circle of Russian citizens. In addition, most Russians think that Russia can handle the problem well.

 

As for Russia's food sanctions against Western countries, 78 percent approve of the move, 63 percent do not come across any problems with food, although 76 percent are aware that prices have already grown or will grow later.

Despite the fact that people generally tend to worry about the rise in prices, they do not perceive the current situation as a considerable problem that may affect their well-being. Against the background of the ongoing standoff with the West, most Russians believe that Russia must not sit on its hands watching the West imposing more and more sanctions on the country. Russia must respond to every unfriendly move in an unfriendly fashion as well.

 

Most Russians support the ban on the import of goods from Moldova and Ukraine, an opinion poll conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (WCIOM) said. The countries signed the agreement on free trade zone with the European Union. According to WCIOM, 78 percent of respondents support the move to ban imports of goods from the countries.

 

The Russian authorities banned the import of Moldovan and Ukrainian products a few months after the signing of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia signed the Association Agreement on Free Trade with the EU. Russia also announced a possible increase in duties on all goods from the countries.

 

Two-thirds of Russians (65%) believe that after the signing of the agreement with the EU, Russia's relations with the above-mentioned countries will worsen. Twenty-one percent said that the ties will not change. Most respondents found it difficult to answer the question of which consequences the agreement may lead to for Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia. Most popular versions of the answers include negative consequences (12 %), deterioration of the economic situation (6 %), worsening relations with Russia and the Customs Union (5%).

 

Most Russians are aware of trade relations with former Soviet republics. Eighteen percent say that they are well aware of the association agreement; another 42 % have heard of it, WCIOM Director Valery Fyodorov said. In general, most people could be indifferent to the association agreement. This is a politicized topic: when any CIS country begins to flirt with Western organizations, the Russians perceive it in a traditional way of Russia - the West confrontation, says the sociologist.

 

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