#10 - JRL 8505 - JRL Home
MOST RUSSIANS BELIEVE THAT YANUKOVICH'S VICTORY WOULD MEET RUSSIA'S INTERESTS

MOSCOW, December 17 (RIA Novosti) - Most Russians believe that Viktor Yanukovich's victory at the presidential elections would meet Russia's interests more than Viktor Yushchenko's victory. This is an outcome of a public opinion poll conducted by the Levada analytical center.

According to the poll, only 10% of Russians believe that Yushchenko will pursue a policy with account for Russia's interests. Over 51% of the polled believe that Yanukovich's victory would be much better for Russia.

Russians' attitude towards Ukraine remains positive (79%). Most of them are concerned about and follow the developments in this neighboring country (42%). Other 42% try to be informed about the events in Ukraine. Only 15% of the polled are not interested in these events.

About 49% of Russians were surprised, irritated or revolted by the actions of the opposition after the runoff. Only 9% of the polled approved the orange revolution.

The struggle for power between economic clans and foreign intrigues are the two main causes which provoked massive actions of protest in Ukraine. This is the point of view of 56% of the polled. Among other reasons are violations during the presidential campaign (12%) and Ukrainian's discontent with the corrupted authorities (16%).

The actions of the Russian authorities in this situation are regarded as inappropriate (27%) or insufficient (23%). According to 26% of the polled, Russia's interference in Ukrainian affairs will aggravate the crisis and affect bilateral relations.

The poll was conducted in December in 46 out of 89 Russian regions. All in all, 1,600 people were polled.