Interfax: Russians certain Putin assisting in peaceful resolution in Ukraine – poll

MOSCOW. Aug 13 (Interfax) – A total of 63% of Russian citizens believe that actions and statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the situation in Ukraine assist in the peaceful resolution of the conflict, the All-Russia Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) said citing a poll held.

This stance is mostly shared by residents of cities with populations of over one million (75%) and supporters of the Russian Communist Party (75%), VTsIOM sociologists said citing the survey conducted in late July in 130 cities, towns and villages in 42 Russian regions among 1,600 respondents.

Nine per cent of Russians suppose that Putin’s statements escalate tension and 18% believe Putin’s position has no affect on the situation in the neighboring country, the poll showed. This stance is mainly supported by Moscow and St. Petersburg residents (30%) and respondents disapproving of the president’s work.

When asked what purposes the Russian president is pursuing regarding Ukraine, 47% said Putin aspired for peace and calm in Donbas and Ukraine in general and 36% said Putin sought not to allow NATO troops in Ukraine (47% Moscow and St, Petersburg residents, and 43% supporters of the Russian Liberal Democratic Party).

Meanwhile, 13% of Russian citizens think that Putin obstructs Ukraine joining the European Union, the survey showed. This stance is shared by twice as many respondents with a lower education than among highly educated people (23% against 13%).

Ten per cent of respondents said that Putin’s goal was to join territories of eastern Ukraine.