Putin Wants to Continue the War in Ukraine, But the Russian Population Prefers Peace

The conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2014 with Russia's annexation of Crimea, significantly intensified in February 2022 when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a large-scale military operation in Ukraine. This decision triggered an unprecedented series of economic sanctions from the West, including the European Union and the United States, aimed at economically isolating Russia. The sanctions have had a significant impact on the Russian economy, affecting foreign investment, access to international financial markets, and the value of the national currency, the ruble. Public opinion in Russia, traditionally measured through surveys conducted by independent or governmental agencies, has shown fluctuations in support for the Russian government's actions in Ukraine. However, Russian legislation on censorship and the dissemination of information that the government considers false about military operations has limited public discussion...