Support for Putin has risen in Russia
The approval rating for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in a new poll by the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM), published on May 15, stood at 66.8%. This is 1.2 percentage points higher than in the previous survey conducted April 13–19.
Trust in Putin also rose, reaching 72.1% compared to 71% in the previous poll.
The VTsIOM noted that it changed its data collection approach in May. Now, in addition to telephone interviews, the surveys include door-to-door (in-person) interviews.
The reason cited for the changes in methodology is the new communication environment in the country—specifically, communication restrictions, anti-spam filters, and an increase in telephone fraud, which has made citizens more cautious when communicating with unknown callers.
The research center explained that this has had the greatest impact on older age groups, meaning that telephone surveys “cannot fully ensure reach” among this category of respondents.
Earlier, Romanian President Nicușor Dan cast doubt on Vladimir Putin’s statements regarding the alleged approaching end of the war in Ukraine. He stated that Russia’s actions contradict its public declarations of peace. In his view, there are currently no signs of a real end to the war. He made these remarks during a joint press conference with the President of Poland in Bucharest.
The presidents of Poland and Romania, Karol Nawrocki and Nicușor Dan, expressed deep skepticism regarding Vladimir Putin’s latest statements about the Russian Federation’s alleged readiness for peace talks.
Putin began talking about “ending the war” due to serious problems on the home front and at the front
Ukraine is ready for dialogue with Russia provided Moscow is genuinely committed to serious talks, but such meetings require careful preparation. Any direct contacts between the leaders of the warring states do not occur spontaneously or via a regular phone call.
