Newly published polling by the Levada Center indicates that a clear majority of Russians continue to oppose the use of nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine, although public opinion has fluctuated over the course of the conflict. According to a nationwide survey conducted on June 23–30, 2026, 60% of respondents believe that Russia's use of nuclear weapons cannot be justified, while 29% consider it justified. Support for nuclear use reached its highest level in November 2024, when 39% viewed it as justified, before falling sharply to 24% in June 2025 and recovering modestly in 2026 to 29%. Two-thirds of respondents (67%) currently support the actions of Russia’s armed forces in Ukraine (35% “definitely,” 32% “rather”), down seven percentage points from May. Opposition has risen to 24% (11% “definitely,” 13% “rather”), up eight points. Levada’s June 2026 poll also revealed that Russians’ support for peace talks has grown again: 64% now say Russia should move toward negotiations, up four points in a month, while 29% think military action should continue.  

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Photo: People walk through Red Square during sunset in Moscow, Monday, July 6, 2026, backdropped by the Spasskaya tower of the Kremlin. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)