Every third Russian approves a nuclear strike on Ukraine — survey

More than a third of Russian citizens consider the use of nuclear weapons to be "justified" in the war against Ukraine.

This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted in June 2024 by the "Levada Center."

As sociologists found out, 10% of respondents "unequivocally" support a nuclear strike, and another 24% consider it "expedient".

The share of supporters of nuclear escalation has increased by 5 percentage points over the past year and has reached a record high during the entire war.

The majority remains at 52% against the use of nuclear weapons, although their share is decreasing: in April 2023, it was 56%.

The greatest inclination towards nuclear war is felt among pensioners who regularly watch Russian television and "approve" of Volodymyr Putin's activities. In the age group of 55+, the share of approving responses regarding a nuclear strike reaches 35%, and among those who get information from TV broadcasts, it's 41%.

"The opinion that the use of nuclear weapons cannot be justified is more widespread among young Russians (63% aged 18-24). Those who believe the country is heading in the wrong direction (64%), and those who do not approve of the current president's activities (72%)," according to the conclusions of the non-governmental Russian organization "Levada-Center".

Read also:

• Strikes by "Kinzhal" missiles: the Air Force’s explanation about the defense of the capital

• "I don't want trouble for my state": Zelenskyy sharply responds to cease-fire proposals

• How to turn the tide of war: Kuleba names two solutions

• Zelenskyy responded on whether Putin will be invited to the next Peace Summit on Ukraine