Most residents of Donbass are completely confident that no one oppresses the Russian-speaking. It is evidenced by the survey conducted by the Rating sociological group commissioned by the International Republican Institute (IRI), with the financial support of the Government of Canada - reports UNIAN.
Respondents were asked whether they felt that the citizens of Ukraine whose native language was Russian were under pressure or threat for their language. For example, 54% said that they definitely did not feel this, and another 28% - that they rather didn’t feel.
But 9% believe that such pressure is "rather implemented" and 2% are sure about it. 7% of respondents could not give an answer.
In their turn, 49% of people in the region stated that they certainly did not support the decision of the Russian Federation to send its troops to Ukraine to "protect the Russian-speaking population", another 22% tend not to support.
At the same time, 7% tend to agree with such actions, and 2% definitely support. However, 20% of respondents did not give an answer.
41% of the Donbass residents consider Russia's actions in relation to Crimea as unlawful invasion and occupation of the territory of independent Ukraine, 11% - as the legitimate defense of Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine. 18% gave another answer, 30% could not comment on that.