Survey – Russians disappointed with the idea of welcoming forced immigrants

The Russian Public Opinion Research Center (WCIOM) published results of a survey, showing whether Russians feel the presence of Ukrainian refugees in their populated areas, whether Russia provides sufficient assistance to the Ukrainian migrants and whether Russian citizens support the proposal to simplify the procedure of obtaining Russian citizenship for them, said WCIOM.

67% of the polled said that there are forced immigrants from Ukraine in their populated areas (29% of them considered the number of visitors from the neighbouring country large, 38% - small). The largest number of refugees is observed in large cities (52% of responses). 18% of the respondents believe that there are no refugees from Ukraine in their hometowns (43% among rural residents and 2% among Moscow and St. Petersburg residents).

The majority of Russian citizens (67%) believe that Russia provides all necessary assistance to the refugees, the minority (4%) – that Russia does not support Ukrainians enough.

Over several months, the number of respondents who support providing the Ukrainian refugees with all necessary things and creating favorable conditions for them decreased from 50% in July to 40% in September.

Compared with 39% in July, 45% said that the refugees should return to Ukraine as soon as favorable circumstances will be there. 7% of Russians spoke in favor of the suspension of welcoming refugees to the territory of Russia and quick returning back of those who have arrived.

53% of respondents supported the initiative of simplifying of the procedure of receiving Russian citizenship for Ukrainians (66% of those people considered that there is a small number of Ukrainians in their located areas, 41% - there is a large number), while 36% were against the initiative.

The Russian survey of WCIOM was conducted from September 20 to September 21, 2014. 1,600 people were interviewed in 130 populated areas and 42 regions, federal subjects and republics of Russia. The statistical error does not exceed 3.4%.

As Capital reported, according to the Levada Center’s poll, the residents of Russia are less satisfied now with the annexation of Crimea.