Sociologists explain Russians' optimism towards situation in Caucasus by Crimea's accession

The population of Russia expresses a surge of optimism in relation to the situation in Caucasus. This was proved by the data of the recent survey led by the Levada Centre, conducted on March 21-24, compared to the survey conducted in this January.

According to the surveys conducted by the Levada Centre, in this January, 18% of respondents believed the situation in North Caucasus was favourable, and in March, the figure increased up to 41%. At the same time, the portion of respondents who believed the situation was tense decreased from 60% to 43%. The portion of respondents who believed the situation was critical or explosive decreased from 12% to 4%.

The citizens' expectations regarding the situation in North Caucasus have also improved. In March, 21% of respondents believed the situation would improve in the future (in January, the appropriate figure was 12%), and only 9% of respondents believed the situation would get worse (in January, the figure was 17%).

Staff members of the sociological organizations believe that it is a short burst of optimism caused by the Crimea's joining to Russia.