Panel Study of Russian Public Opinion and Attitudes (PROPA) Wave 2

The Panel Study of Russian Public Opinion and Attitudes (PROPA) report, based on surveys conducted in Summer 2024, examines the evolving views of Russian citizens amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine, economic challenges, and ongoing political repression. This wave of research, conducted both online and via telephone, gathers insights from a wide demographic cross-section of Russian society, with 4,470 participants in the online survey (June 28 - July 25, 2024) and 1,603 respondents in the telephone interviews (June 13 - 24, 2024). The study explores economic perceptions, political attitudes, religious beliefs, and historical memories shaping public opinion. Key findings include: 1. Economic Satisfaction and Support for the Regime: A significant portion of respondents express satisfaction with their economic situation, which correlates with support for the war in Ukraine and President Putin’s leadership. The data suggest that those with higher economic satisfaction tend to favor strong presidential power without checks and balances. 2. Political Attitudes: Public support for the ongoing war in Ukraine remains polarized, with 42.6% of online respondents supporting the war, while opposition is more pronounced in the online format than in telephone surveys. The report also highlights declining trust in key political institutions, though a substantial portion of the population still supports authoritarian governance structures. 3. Religious Influence: Religious beliefs, particularly among those with higher religiosity, play a notable role in shaping political opinions. Religious individuals are more likely to support conservative political stances, which align with the regime’s narrative. 4. Memory of the Past: Historical events, including family experiences with World War II, the war in Afghanistan, and Stalinist repressions, influence public attitudes toward the war in Ukraine. Those with personal or familial ties to these events are more likely to support current military actions. Overall, the findings reflect a society under strain, with significant pockets of dis- content, especially among younger and less affluent citizens, but with ongoing support for the regime among economically secure and religious segments of the population. The research offers a nuanced view of how historical memory, economic well-being, and political repression interact in the wartime Russia.