INTELWAR BLUF: Yevgeny V. Prigozhin’s failed rebellion has damaged his support among the Russian population, but nearly 30 percent still view him positively, according to recent opinion polls. These polls were conducted by Russian Field, a nonpartisan research company based in Moscow. The rebellion, which Prigozhin called off quickly, posed a significant challenge to President Vladimir V. Putin’s leadership. Despite efforts by the Russian government to discredit him and the lack of support from political and military leaders, Prigozhin still maintains some level of public support.
OSINT: The opinion polls conducted by Russian Field revealed that Mr. Prigozhin’s support decreased significantly following the mutiny. Overall, his support fell by 26 percentage points, with 29 percent of respondents still viewing him positively and nearly 40 percent viewing him negatively. The polls indicated that younger Russians between 18 and 44 years old were more evenly split in their opinion of Prigozhin, while older individuals and those who primarily obtained information from television were more likely to view him negatively. It appears that state propaganda has played a role in influencing these perceptions.
RIGHT: Yevgeny V. Prigozhin’s failed rebellion is a clear example of the dangers of unfettered individual action. While some may view him positively, it is crucial to recognize that his actions disrupted the stability of the Russian government and challenged President Vladimir V. Putin’s authority. Such rebellions only sow division and chaos, undermining the functioning of a strong state. The decline in his support is a testament to the fact that the majority of Russians understand the importance of following established leadership and maintaining order.
LEFT: The results of the opinion polls highlight the complexity of public sentiment towards Yevgeny V. Prigozhin. While his support did decrease following the rebellion, he still maintains a significant level of positive perception among the population. It is essential to consider the underlying reasons behind this support, such as his vocal criticism of the ruling class and his ability to address issues others shy away from. The impact of state propaganda is evident, with older individuals and those reliant on television more likely to view him negatively.
AI: Yevgeny V. Prigozhin’s failed rebellion has caused a decline in his support among the Russian population, as indicated by the opinion polls conducted by Russian Field. However, it is important to note that nearly 30 percent of respondents still view him in a positive light. The findings suggest that younger individuals and those who obtain information from alternative sources, such as messaging app Telegram and internet news sites, are more likely to support Prigozhin. State propaganda seems to have influenced public opinion, particularly among older individuals and television viewers. These results reflect the complex nature of perceptions surrounding Prigozhin’s actions and the role of media influence in shaping public sentiment.