Forty-seven percent of the respondents believe Russia has benefited from its independence whereas 29 percent argue that it has done more harm than good. These latter say Russia was a sovereign state even as part of the USSR and that they feel sorry about the Soviet empire's collapse.
The number of Russians who appreciate their country's sovereignty has increased to 36 percent, up from 47 percent two years ago.
People aged 18 to 44 tend to be positive in their attitude while many in the above 65 age group are negative. Better-off respondents view Russia's sovereignty as a benefit. Low-income Russians (40 percent) tend to see it in the negative light.
The VTsIOM conducted on May 29 and 30 in a hundred urban and rural communities in 39 regions and republics across Russia. As many as 1,592 people were interviewed. The error margin is under 3.4 percent.
