Ukraine poll says most Russian-speakers feel no threat
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 April 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ukraine poll says most Russian-speakers feel no threat, 5 April 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/534d30cb14.html [accessed 4 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 05, 2014
By RFE/RL
Pro-Russian protesters attend a rally in the eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk on April 5.
Results of a new U.S.-funded survey say most Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine do not feel "under pressure or threatened" because of their language.
The International Republican Institute (IRI) said the findings "contradict claims by Moscow that Russian-speaking citizens are being threatened, a claim many believe is a pretext to further Russian incursions into Ukraine."
According to the results, 85 percent of Ukrainians, and 66 percent of ethnic Russians, said they don't feel that Russian-speaking citizens are facing increased pressure since the February ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.
The IRI said 1,200 people participated in the poll, which was conducted in all Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, from March 14-26.
The U.S. Agency for International Development funded the survey.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
