Russians see country as feared, envied abroad – poll

Russian President Vladimir Putin. AP

MOSCOW – Almost half of Russians believe their country inspires either fear or envy abroad, according to a new poll, with a third citing military might as being crucial to its international standing.

The survey by the VTsIOM state polling agency found that 24 percent of Russians believe their country provokes fear, while 22 percent think it is envied.

People aged 25 and under were most likely to select those two categories.

Those surveyed were given a range of options, including love, hate, skepticism and approval.

In another question, people were asked what makes Russia “strong in the eyes of the world.”

Thirty-three percent picked Russia’s armed forces and weaponry, and 15 percent said President Vladimir Putin and his foreign policy.

The poll was carried out among 1,600 Russians in late May and early June with a margin of error of 3.4 percent.