MOSCOW, 23 February 2022. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the findings of a survey describing the attitudes of Russians towards the president’s decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s republics.

Most of Russians say they are somewhat aware that the Russian president Vladimir Putin announced recognition of the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s republics following the appeals  of their leaders (92%); 66% of Russians are well aware of that or read details about it. A quarter heard about it but do not know any details (26%). Eight percent of respondents did not hear about it.

Three quarters of respondents are likely to support the decision of the Russian president to recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s republics independent (73%); 16% are likely to support that; every tenth Russian is undecided (11%).

A majority of Russians (78%) support the decision of the Russian president to sign the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between Russia and the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s republics. Fourteen percent of respondents are likely not to support this decision.

Russian nationwide VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted February 22, 2022. A total of 1,600 of Russians aged 18 and older took part in the survey. Results are based on telephone interviews. Stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of Russian landline and mobile phone numbers was used. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey