Belarusians don’t have much support for Russia’s war in Ukraine – pollster

September 9, BPN. An online poll by the Belarus Initiative revealed that the majority of respondents did not support Russia’s war in Ukraine, the initiative’s head Ryhor Astapienia said on September 9.

The survey of some 800 people across Belarus was conducted on August 4-21.

Astapenia said 35 percent of those polled definitely did not support the actions of Russian troops in Ukraine, and 10 percent were inclined not to support them. Some 18 percent strongly supported Russia’s action, and 12 percent tended to declare support.

“It turns out that 45 percent of Belarusians do not support Russians’ actions in Ukraine, while 30 percent support it. Belarusians are still pessimistic about their expectations for the war,” the researcher said.

Asked what Belarus should have done when hostilities began, 22 percent said “supporting Russia’s actions but not entering the conflict.” Some 27 percent said “declare complete neutrality.” Some 12 percent preferred to “condemn Russia’s actions without entering the conflict.”

Some 12 percent said Belarus should condemn the aggressor’s actions now; 25 percent supported Russia’s actions but were against Belarus entering the conflict; 28 percent wanted the country to remain neutral.

It is remarkable that 2 percent believe Ukraine’s actions should have been condemned at the outset of the war or should be condemned now, but without sending troops. The same share of respondents believe that Belarus should have entered the war on the side of Ukraine, and 5 percent – on the side of Russia.

The concept that Belarus should join Russia’s war now was backed by 3 percent. The share of those objecting Belarusian troops’ deployment to Ukraine has increased to 24 percent in August from 19 percent in April.

The war is meaningless, 23 percent of respondents said in August (16 percent in April). Some 16 percent expect Belarus will recognize the independence of the so-called Donetsk and Luhnask “people’s republics”; 20 percent believe that Russian troops do not use weapons against civilians in Ukraine.

Some 18 percent believe that the Belarusian Armed Forces would take an active part in the war against Ukraine if ordered; 18 percent said they would refuse to fight; 17 percent said they would go to war but try not to use weapons; another 17 percent said they would try to escape from the combat zone.

Some 49 percent of those polled said they would not condemn Belarusian soldiers surrendering or refusing to fight.

Astapenia said the results of the study demonstrated “Belarusians’ anti-war sentiment.” “Belarusian public opinion is marking time. Respondents demonstrate a growing desire to distance themselves from Russia’s war in Ukraine. The concept of a full entry into the war remains marginal and unpopular,” he added.

Belarus Initiative is a program at Chatham House, a high-profile British think tank.