More than half of Russians oppose the use of nuclear weapons and support peaceful negotiations with Ukraine

52% of Russians oppose the use of nuclear weapons in the war with Ukraine.

These are the results of a survey by the Levada Center.

At the same time, more than a third of Russians believe that a nuclear strike could be “justified.” Among them, 10% of respondents definitely support a nuclear strike, and another 24% consider it rather reasonable.

Over the past year, the share of supporters of a nuclear strike among Russians has increased by 5% and has reached a record high for the entire duration of the war.

Support for a nuclear strike is highest among retirees and lowest among young people.

Meanwhile, 58% of Russians believe that Ukraine and Russia should start peace negotiations. Since May, the number of supporters of negotiations has increased by 4%.

At the same time, 37% are in favor of continuing military actions, and this number has decreased by 6% over the past two months.

In turn, 41% of Russians believe that Russia is more interested in negotiations, while only 21% think that Ukraine is more interested (28% think both sides are equally interested). Over the past year, the number of supporters of the first version has increased by 3%, and the second by 4%.

Only 11% of Russians believe that Ukraine is responsible for the deaths and destruction in the war.

These results were published by the Levada Center, adding that this number has decreased by 5% over the past year.

6% blame Russia for the war, and the number of supporters of this view has also decreased by 2%.

At the same time, the overwhelming majority of respondents—65%—consider the US or NATO in general to be responsible. A year ago, 56% voted for this option.