Gauging Russian support for the war is difficult given the brutality with which Putin’s regime silences dissent and political opposition. Even so, a running survey by Moscow’s Levada Center pollster shows the overwhelming majority — 80% as of February — support the invasion in some capacity.
Canvassing opinion on the streets of Moscow showed some differences of opinion.
“No deals. Let them get what they deserve,” said Evgeniy, 66, a retiree. While Tatyana, 50, said she was in “favor of ceasefire because so many people are suffering.” Both declined to give their last names amid Russia’s repressive atmosphere.
For Ukrainians and their supporters abroad, Thursday’s attacks symbolized the hypocrisy of Russia’s position. President Vladimir Putin continues to make extreme demands — his conditions for a deal essentially resemble a Ukrainian surrender — while continuing to prosecute the invasion he launched three years ago.
Zelenskyy and members of his government say they will never accept Russian control over Crimea, a key demand of the Kremlin’s.
“Yesterday’s Russian maximalist demands for Ukraine to withdraw from its regions, combined with these brutal strikes, show that Russia, not Ukraine, is the obstacle to peace,” Sybiha, the Ukrainian foreign minister said in his statement. “Moscow, not Kyiv, is where pressure should be applied.”
Alexander Smith reported from London and Daryna Mayer reported from Kyiv.
Daryna Mayer contributed.
