Conflicts

Since the start of Russia's large-scale war against Ukraine, the autonomous think tank Public Sociology Laboratory has been investigating how ordinary Russians view the conflict.

The group uses in-depth interviews with so-called "non-opponents" to the war, i.e. people who openly express support for the invasion or do not express disapproval. According to the study, the conformism apparently displayed by society comes from a passive acceptance of the circumstances rather than enthusiastic support for the government and its militaristic policies.

Much has been said about the alleged ideological involvement of Russia - and Russians - in the current invasion of Ukraine. But has the Kremlin's propaganda really succeeded in convincing its citizens that their country is fighting a just war, against Kiev or against the forces of the 'collective West'?

The survey suggests that two years of war has not given the majority of Russians a better understanding of the causes, objectives or purpose of the conflict.

If the purpose of war is not clear, such a conflict cannot become "the people's business".

This observation is shared by many. In the eyes of many interviewees, Russia's war against Ukraine only widens the gap between the government and the people, suggesting that an end to hostilities is absolutely necessary for the emergence of a new politics capable of solving Russia's very real domestic problems. 

But what about those who genuinely support the war and the Kremlin's stated ambition to win it? Could this group be the Kremlin's support base for its radical militaristic policies? Such enthusiasts exist, of course. However, the majority of them still do not see the war as just and do not believe that its aims are valid.

(SR and FM for Tagtik/Source: The Insider/Photo: Sonia Dauer via Unsplash)