[Discussion] Rising Support for Nuclear Strikes: 39% of Russians Back Offensive Ukraine Nuclear Attacks

[Uncrowned Guard]

Significant Minority of Russians Approve of Nuclear Actions on Ukraine

A startling revelation from Alexey Levinson, the head of the sociocultural research department at the Russian independent polling organization Levada Center, shows that roughly 39% of Russians believe a nuclear strike on Ukraine can be justified amidst the ongoing conflict. This controversial insight was shared by Levinson during a recent conference on November 29.

The Growing Acceptance of Nuclear Actions

According to unpublished data from a recent poll conducted by the Levada Center, the number of Russians endorsing potential nuclear actions against Ukraine has reportedly seen an incremental rise, hinting at a disturbing progression in public sentiment as the country's nucleated threats escalate.

The data underscores a momentous shift in Russia's nuclear agenda. In November, President Vladimir Putin authorized an updated nuclear doctrine for the country, alluding to more attacks following the deployment of the nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile "Oreshnik" on Ukraine, on November 21.

These nuclear threats, however, despite continuously looming over Ukraine and the West since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, have not yet been actualized.

Even so, Putin's continued discourse around nuclear strikes appears to have a profound impact on national sentiment. As per Levinson, the ongoing talks have gradually swelled the number of Russians accepting these as not only passable but potentially morally justified.

A Dip in Russian Opposition to Nuclear Strikes

Challenging common presumptions, Levada Center's polls observed a drop in the number of Russians opposed to nuclear actions, from 52% in June to 45% in November.

These polls, executed throughout the conflict, also revealed a seemingly unwavering majority of Russians supporting Putin and his actions against Ukraine. They firmly believe their country is moving down a righteous path, even as it continues its aggressive war stance against Ukraine.

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