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The probability of a full-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine is rated by 19% of Ukrainians as high, 33% as a medium, and 20% as low. The corresponding poll was conducted by the “Rating” sociological group on February 16-17.
According to the survey, 19% of respondents rate the likelihood of a full-scale military invasion of Russia in Ukraine as high, 33% as a medium, 20% as low, while 25% believe there is no threat. In addition, 28% of Ukrainian residents are absolutely sure that Ukraine will be able to repel Russia’s attack, and 13% are not at all sure.
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The poll concludes that in the last few days the assessment of the probability of a threat as high has decreased from 28 to 19%. At the same time, the confidence of citizens that Ukraine will be able to repel the attack if the Russian invasion takes place has increased from 58 to 64%.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov stated that Kyiv does not confirm the withdrawal of Russian troops from the border. According to the minister, as of February 18, 149,000 Russian troops of the ground component, as well as aviation and naval contingent are amassed at Ukrainian borders.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said the alliance is concerned that Russia is “trying to stage a pretext for an armed attack against Ukraine”.
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“We must not be lulled into a false sense of security by Russia claiming that some troops are returning to their barracks, while in fact, Russian military build-up shows no signs of slowing,” UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss noted.
