Results of polling by independent sociologists suggest that 71% of Russians are proudare proud of the war with Ukraine 

This is evidenced by data from two polls conducted by a group of independent Russian sociologists with an interval of one and a half weeks from late February to mid-March, according to Radio Liberty, reports Espreso.TV 

Russian opinion differs depending on age. Russians aged over 35 most often expressed the feelings of pride, respect, and hope. Respondents under 18 were more likely to feel disappointed and upset.Two out of five reported feeling uneasy about the war, and these feelings were most often reported by younger Russians.Russians in the middle age groups (25 to 44 years)  most often reported feelings of anxiety and fear about the military operation. More than half of poll participants aged 55 and over supported the war with Ukraine.

The change between the first and the second poll results indicates a rise in the number of people who support the "military operation" and the independence of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. At the same time, pessimism about personal finance is rising due to sanctions imposed on Russia.

At the same time, according to the authors, the results of the second poll, conducted on March 12-13 during the period of the tightening state control on mass media and freedom of speech, should be considered in the light of the possible impact of fear and social prejudice.

Also, the poll results indicate that three-quarters of Russians find out about the war from the TV. 87% of them (and 64% of all Russians) are from state TV channels. 22% of Russians use a radio to receive news, and only 1% of respondents have access to information on shortwave. The use of VPN for news of the "military operation", according to the authors of the study, is 5.5%. Of those who use the Internet to learn about the war, 37% do not know what a VPN is. 11% of respondents use YouTube, Telegram - 7.

Sociologists claim that young Russians under the age of 35 are more likely to distrust the news about Ukraine with some or complete distrust compared to the older generation. At the same time, the authors of the study note that young Russians in the age group of 18 to 24 were more likely to express indifference to what is happening in Ukraine.

In response to a question about Vladimir Putin’s actions, one-third of respondents said that they firmly believe that Putin is acting with their interests in mind and 26% say he is working in their interests to some extent. Overall, the majority of Russians polled believe that it would be better if Putin remain President for as long as possible. This response was the most widespread among state TV audiences. Russians who rely on personal connections and digital platforms, perceive the president differently, According to a study by independent Russian sociologists.

It will be recalled that analysts at The Washington Post admit that Ukraine is defeating Russia in the information war.