Most Russians Support Putin's Decision on Anti-ISIL Campaign in Syria

A majority of Russians support the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to commence airstrikes against the Islamic State militants in Syria, a poll revealed on Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the survey conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), 38 percent of respondents said they fully support the decision to dispatch aircraft to Syria, while 28 percent said they conditionally approve of this step.

Some 15 percent conditionally disapprove of the decision, with 12 percent of respondents saying they definitely do not approve. Seven percent of respondents found it difficult to answer this question, according to a survey.

The poll was conducted by VCIOM October 3-4 among 1,600 people in 46 regions of Russia.

Russia’s Sukhoi Su-25, Su-24M and Su-34 attack aircraft, with the support of Su-30 jets, commenced precision airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria on September 30, following a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, since the beginning of the air campaign Russian air forces have carried out about 140 strikes against terrorist positions, including command centers, training camps and ammunition depots. Russian warships in the Caspian Sea have fired 26 cruise missiles on ISIL targets.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, airstrikes have considerably damaged Islamic State's command and logistics networks, as well as infrastructure used to equip suicide bombers.