Interfax: Russians believe situation in Ukraine threatens Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine – poll

MOSCOW. July 23 (Interfax) – An overwhelming majority of Russians surveyed by the All-Russia Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) (88%) believe there is currently a threat to Russian-speaking people in Ukraine and the Russian administration should protect their interests.

Seven percent of the respondents said they do not believe such a threat exists in Ukraine.

Eighty-four percent of the respondents said they believe the Russian president should defend the interests of the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine. The percent of such respondents is the highest among residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg (96%). Eleven percent of the respondents said they believe the Russian president should not do anything of the sort.

Speaking about the fate of residents of eastern Ukraine, 70% of the respondents said they are confident that the Russian president is doing everything possible for them while trying to secure the interests of Russia. At the same time, 15% of the respondents said the Russian president is not consistent and active enough in this sphere, and only 6% believe the Russian president is too active in this sphere.

The poll was conducted in 42 regions of Russia on July 12-13. It surveyed 1,600 people. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.