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Russian poll on NATO issues

By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Diana Dundua)
Friday, April 25
On April 12–13 the Russian polling agency Obschestvennoe Mnenie (Public Opinion) questioned 1500 Russians across 46 regions on issues related to NATO and Georgia and Ukraine’s membership bids.

The survey revealed that some 53 percent of Russians think NATO membership would have negative consequences for Georgian and Ukraine themselves, while only 6 percent think it would have an overall positive effect.

Among the positive factors that NATO membership may bring Georgia and Ukraine, respondents listed financial support from the alliance and a better standard of living for their citizens. Proposed negative effects include loss of sovereignty and increased dependence on the US, as well as deteriorating relations with Russia.