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RIA Novosti
The reunification of the Crimea with Russia, as well as the successful holding of the Olympics in Sochi have increased the level of trust of Russians to power. This is stated in the report “Russia surprises: five eras in Russian public opinion (1987-2017)”, published on the VTSIOM website March 6, Monday.
“The annexation of Crimea was the reset in relations between the authorities with society: trust in government, declining in the previous period (2008-2013 — approx. “Of the tape.ru”), was restored. On the background of the Crimean events and the Olympics for a few months — from January to may 2014, has significantly increased the approval rating of the President (from 61 percent to 86 percent)”, — the document says.
The return of the Crimea and Sevastopol a part of Russia contributed to raising the population’s feelings of national pride and dignity, say sociologists. The accession of these territories was supported by 87 percent of respondents. In turn, the Sochi Olympics raised Russia’s status in the international arena. “More than half of Russians viewed it not only as a spectacular sports show, but also as a large-scale impressive event improved the image of Russia”, — stated in the study.
March 1, “Levada-center” has published the findings of a survey according to which 43 percent of Russians consider Crimea a part of Russia the main reason to be proud of their country.
Crimea joined Russia in March 2014 following a referendum. Kiev does not recognize the election results and considers part of its occupied territory.
The winter Olympics was held in Sochi in 2014. Following the results of competitions the national team of Russia won 56 medals — 19 gold, 18 silver and 19 bronze. This allowed the Russian team to take the fourth place in the medal standings of the Olympics after USA, UK and China.