11% of Russians “unequivocally” support a nuclear strike on Ukraine. Another 28% tend to believe that such a move is “probably reasonable.”
In Russia, the share of supporters of nuclear escalation in the war against Ukraine has increased. The use of nuclear weapons against a neighboring country is considered acceptable by 39% of Russians, a Levada Center survey showed, The Moscow Times reported on Friday, November 29.
It was noted that in July this view was held by 34% of respondents, while in April 2023 – 29%.
11% of Russians “unequivocally” support a nuclear strike on Ukraine. Another 28% tend to believe that such a move is “probably reasonable.” This is a new record since the beginning of a large-scale war.
At the same time, the share of those opposed to the use of nuclear weapons fell to 45% from 52% in July. As of April 2023, 56% of Russians hold a similar view. Although 21% of Russians surveyed definitely do not accept this scenario, another 24% doubt that the decision to launch a nuclear strike on Ukraine could be justified. In addition, 15% had difficulty answering.
Alexey Levinson, head of the socio-cultural research department at the Levada Center, called the results of the study “alarming.” In his opinion, “scary talk about the possibility of using nuclear weapons” is to blame for everything.
From Levinson’s point of view, the attitude of the Russians is also influenced by propaganda, which presents a potential nuclear strike on Ukraine as a demonstration of the power of the Russian Federation and a way to quickly end the war, while remaining silent about consequences. As a result, the population’s fears of using such weapons decrease and “the idea of ’What’s wrong?’ is approaching 40%,” Levinson added.
As we have already reported, Vladimir Putin approved, by order, the updated nuclear doctrine of Russia. The document entitled On the approval of the bases of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the field of nuclear deterrence was published on the official portal of legal information.
Source: korrespondent
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