Almost 40% of Russians consider a nuclear strike on Ukraine justified: survey results
According to the results of a sociological survey by the Levada Center, 39% of Russians believe that Russia’s use of nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine may be justified. These data made public the head of the social and cultural research department of the center Oleksiy Levinson during the conference “Country and peace: Russian realities-2024”.
According to the survey, 11% of respondents believe that the use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine is definitely justified; 28% are inclined to think that it can be justified; 45% of respondents expressed their opposition, choosing answer options that deny the justification of such a step; another 15% could not decide on their position.
Screenshot: Country and peace/YouTube
Oleksiy Levinson noted that under the influence of Russian propaganda, fears about the consequences of using nuclear weapons are gradually weakening. The idea of using this weapon, which was previously perceived as something unthinkable, is now gaining support from an increasingly large part of the population.
“Previously, the majority categorically denied the justification of a nuclear strike, but this majority is decreasing. If in the summer of 2024, 52% of respondents considered it unacceptable, now this share has decreased to 45%.” – emphasized the sociologist.
Compared to June 2024, the number of those who support the idea of a nuclear strike has increased from 34% to 39%. A year ago, in April 2023, there were only 29% of them.
The results of the study testify to the influence of propaganda on public opinion in Russia. Fear of the consequences of using nuclear weapons is gradually waning, and support for this scenario is growing. Although supporters of a nuclear strike are still in the minority, their number is steadily increasing, which causes concern of the international community.
