Sanctions Mania: Poll Reveals Poles' Push for Tightening Screws on Russia

Almost half of Poles believe that the current EU economic sanctions against Russia are too soft, according to a recent poll published by the Polish Public Opinion Research Center.

A Polish Public Opinion Research Center poll has revealed that nearly half of Poles feel that the current EU economic sanctions against Russia are too soft, Radio Poland reports.

According to the poll, 22 percent of the respondents believe that the sanctions have been introduced in sufficient volumes, while 7 percent describe the restriction measures as too harsh.

The authors of the study, for their part, said that "the Poles actively support European economic sanctions against Russia because they are convinced these sanctions playing a key role in the conflict."

The poll revealed that 68 percent of the respondents support the extension of EU sanctions against Russia, while only 11 percent are against them.Twenty percent could not answer questions related to the anti-Russian sanctions and their efficiency.

While 44 percent claim that the sanctions "effectively prevent Russia from continuing to take part in the conflict in eastern Ukraine", 35 percent do not believe in the sanctions' efficiency, according to the survey.

A total of 1,011 people participated in the Actual Problems and Events survey that was held between June 11 and June 17.

On June 22, the European Union extended economic sanctions against Russia for a further six months.

Russia has repeatedly denied Western allegations that it is backing supporters of the Donbass region's independence with troops and arms.