More than 55% of Russians view European Union countries positively, 27% view them negatively and 18% find it difficult to answer, according to a poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM). in the public domain today.

Despite the generally positive attitude of the Russians towards the EU countries, the majority of the respondents consider that at this stage Russia’s relations with the countries of the European Union are negative, as 40% assess them as rather cold and 13% as hostile. . One in four, ie 26%, consider the existing relationships neutral, while only 15% consider them positive.

According to the poll, 48% of Russians believe that Russia should seek to build a partnership with the European Union. This percentage increased by 15% compared to the corresponding percentage of 2008.

Also, 35% of respondents believe that the West will never treat Russia as an equal partner, so it does not make sense for Russia to turn to Europe. On the contrary, one in ten, ie 9%, believe that Russia should seek membership in the European Union.

The VCIOM poll was conducted on February 24, on a sample of 1,600 respondents.

SOURCE: AMPE