Most Russians Against Warm Relations With NATO - Poll

A recent opinion poll suggests that today more Russians would like closer ties with NATO than a year ago, however most still see the military alliance as a threat.

In the poll, conducted by the Levada Center on May 21-25, 33% of respondents felt that closer relations with NATO would, on the whole, be in Russia’s interest. In a 2009 survey, 23% expressed this view. Levada Center said 34% expressed the opposite view compared to 49% in last year’s poll, and that 34% were undecided.

Meanwhile, a majority of respondents thought that Russia should, in the long term, seek membership to the EU, 27% were against this, and 24% were undecided.

Russia’s planned accession to the World Trade Organization had the support of 49% of respondents in last month’s survey, while 21% said WTO membership would run against the country’s national interests and 30% were undecided.

In the 2009 poll, 47% were in favor of Russia joining the WTO and 28% believed it would harm Russia.

Interfax