MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Russians think that external military threat is now more real than in the last 15 years, suggest the results of the opinion poll conducted by the Russia Public Opinion Research Center (WCIOM).
- Arms supplies to Ukraine will increase risk of Russia’s involvement in conflict — diplomat
- US trying to involve Russia in military conflict — Russian security official
- Moscow concerned about growing NATO activity near Russian borders — diplomat
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- NATO not seeking confrontation with Russia — secretary general
- Elements of European missile defense system to be deployed in Poland by 2018 — ambassador
Some 68% of those polled say the threat is real against 52% in 2014. Around 28% of respondent are unsure about the threat, 1.5 times less than a year ago (42%).
At the same time, Russians give more positive assessments to the army’s condition. Last year, every fourth respondent said the army was "in a good condition" (24%). Now, every second person provided a positive assessment (49%). The number of negative remarks about the army has decreased from 16 to 8% year-on-year. 40% of respondents say the army’s condition is "satisfactory."
Around 40% of Russians think it is necessary to increase Armed Forces strength, this is the highest indicator registered over the last years (30% in 2014). Along with that, 42% says increasing strength is unnecessary. Only 7% of respondents say the army strength should be reduced.
Military service has become slightly less appealing for Russians than one or two years ago. Around 47% of respondents say they want their son, brother or husband to serve in the Armed Forces (56% among men and 39% among women). Forty-seven percent of Russians say they do not want their relatives to serve in the military.
The poll was conducted on February 14-15. The pollster asked 1,600 people in 46 Russian regions. Statistical error does not exceed 3.5%
