Only 14.6% of those polled in Ukraine support the idea of granting special status to the self-proclaimed republics – the "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") and the "Luhansk People's Republic" ("LPR") – within the territory of Ukraine.
These are findings of a nationwide public opinion poll conducted by the Democratic Initiatives Foundation named after Ilko Kucheriv together with Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) from November 4 to November 19, 2019.
The results of the poll were presented at a press conference, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
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In particular, Ukrainians were asked what decisions should be made to establish peace in Donbas.
Thus, 32.3% of respondents said that Russia should be forced to stop interference in the Donbas conflict by strengthening international sanctions, putting more international pressure on Russia, while 32.1% suggested it was necessary to bring life back to normal in Ukrainian-controlled districts in Donbas.
Also, 9.9% of pollees supported a halt to financing by Ukraine of the territories occupied by the "DPR"/"LPR" (the payment of pensions, salaries, etc.); 9.8% spoke up for making Russian a second national language.
Some 8.4% were in favor of restoration of Ukraine's military control over the territories controlled by the "DPR"/"LPR;" and 7.4% wanted local elections to be held in the occupied districts.
Also, 5.9% of those polled supported a split-up of the territories that are currently occupied by the "DPR"/"LPR" from Ukraine; 4.4% backed the introduction of a federal administrative system in Ukraine; 3.9% favored an amnesty for all those who took part in hostilities in Donbas. Some 3.4% rejected prospects for NATO membership and said they wanted Ukraine's neutral status to be sealed in the Constitution. Another 1.5% supported other options, and 21.8% found it difficult to answer.
*** The survey was conducted in 110 towns and cities in all regions of Ukraine, except the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Russia-occupied districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Some 2,041 questionnaires were collected. The margin of error does not exceed 2.3%.
