(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Adults in Russia believe two countries are their closest friends and allies, according to a poll by the Yuri Levada Analytical Center. 39 per cent of respondents mention Kazakhstan, while 38 per cent cite Belarus.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – A third of adults in Russia believe their previous democratic processes have lacked transparency, according to a poll by the Public Opinion Foundation. 34 per cent of respondents think the elections to Russia’s State Duma have not been free and fair over the past 15 years, and 61 per cent expect no changes before this year’s ballot.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Dmitry Medvedev is holding on to the lead in the early stages of Russia’s presidential race, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. 34 per cent of respondents would vote for the deputy prime minister in the 2008 election, up one point since January.
The defence plan faces new challenges as domestic pressure against it mounts in other countries.
Gabriela Perdomo – One of the goals of United States president George W. Bush is to implement a ballistic missile defence strategy in Central Europe before his term in office ends. But the plan involving three continents has not been easy to sell at home or abroad and it is unclear if it will be executed any time soon.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Public support for Russian president Vladimir Putin is still particularly high, according to a poll by Yuri Levada Analytical Center. 81 per cent of respondents approve of Putin’s performance at the country’s top political job, unchanged since February.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – A vast majority of people in Russia oppose the Estonian government’s decision to relocate a World War II monument, according to a poll by Public Opinion Foundation. 78 per cent of respondents disagree with moving the famous Bronze Soldier away from its current location in Tallinn.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – A majority of people in Russia believe their first post-Soviet leader was not a great statesman, according to a poll by Public Opinion Foundation. 52 per cent of respondents disagree with the statement that Boris Yeltsin was an outstanding political leader of the 20th century.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many people in Russia believe the upcoming legislative election is vulnerable to fraudulent actions, according to a poll by Yury Levada Analytical Center. 39 per cent of respondents think the ballot’s results will likely be manipulated by local and regional election commissions.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – A large majority of people in Russia are suspicious of a United States-backed defence plan being developed in Eastern Europe, according to a poll by the Public Opinion Foundation. 74 per cent of respondents have a negative view of the U.S. missile defence system, and 69 per cent believe it represents a threat to Russian security and national interests.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – More people in Russia see China as an amicable country, according to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 27 per cent of respondents perceive China as a friendly state and an ally, up five points since July 2005.
