Russians grapple with war's toll amid calls for peace
Recent research indicates that the conflict with Ukraine is hurting the lives of many Russians. An increasing number of Russian Federation citizens are experiencing the war's effects on their health, finances, and family relationships. Is society becoming weary of the ongoing invasion?
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has persisted for over a year and a half with no resolution in sight. According to a survey by Russia Field from November 2022, for the first time, a majority of Russians (53 percent) supported the immediate start of peace negotiations, while 36 percent wanted to continue military actions.
Research conducted in April 2023 by the Institute of Social and Political Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, cited by "Fakt", suggests that the war has negatively impacted nearly half of Russian citizens (47.6 percent). Almost 23 percent of respondents reported a deterioration in their physical or mental health.
12.4 percent of respondents reported an increase in current expenses, and 4.3 percent admitted that their loved ones were killed or injured while participating in the so-called "special military operation."
Work-related issues affected 2.8 percent of respondents, and an equal percentage noticed the disappearance of imported goods they were familiar with. Family relationships deteriorated for 2.3 percent due to differing views on the invasion.
Only 29.2 percent of those surveyed said the war has not affected their lives. Concern about the risk of mobilization was expressed by 2.3 percent of respondents, and 9.6 percent admitted their relatives were involved in military actions.
An October 2023 survey by the Levada Center reveals that nearly one-third of Russians (31 percent) are willing to support the return of all territories occupied since February 2022 to Ukraine to end the conflict. Nearly half (47 percent) believed the war has brought more harm than benefit to Russia.
An earlier survey by Russian Field in February 2023 indicated that over one-third of Russians complained about a decline in their standard of living due to the war actions.
Mobilization not meeting needs on the front: Ukrainian general has bad news
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the chief commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, highlighted issues with the country's insufficient mobilization capabilities. As a result, some military personnel previously engaged in logistics and supply are being reassigned to mechanized units.
In a conversation with Ukrainian television, General Syrskyi emphasized an order prohibiting the transfer of highly qualified personnel to infantry, especially those specializing in aircraft operations and considered irreplaceable. However, he noted that the needs on the front line require an increase in personnel in mechanized brigades.
Unfortunately, our mobilization capabilities do not meet these needs. Therefore, we are taking actions to reasonably reduce our logistics, supply, and service components. The staff knows these tasks and have made calculations - quotes Syrskyi to PAP.
