A state-run poll has shown that nearly three-quarters of surveyed Russians believe their military has achieved its stated goals in Syria.
Russian warplanes have been engaged in air raids in support of the Syrian government against rebels since October 2015. Late last year, President Vladimir Putin declared victory and ordered Russian troops to withdraw from Syria despite ongoing airstrikes.
Of the Russians surveyed by the state-run VTSiOM pollster, 73 percent said the Russian Aerospace Forces have “definitely” or “probably” achieved their objectives.
Some 83 percent Russians above the age of 60 expressed the same view, compared to 61 percent of those surveyed between the ages of 18 and 24.
Nearly half of surveyed Russians said the Kremlin should end the campaign in Syria in a September 2017 poll carried out by the independent Levada Center.
VTsIOM conducted the landline and mobile phone poll among 2,000 adult Russians between Feb. 20 and Feb. 21.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
