Public opinion: 57% Russians object staff reductions in armed forces

18.02.2011 59% Russians distinguish the significance of Motherland Defenders' Day celebrated on Feb 23, says the poll held by Foundation "Public Opinion" on Feb 13, 2011. This holiday is not important for 27% citizens of Russia, reports REGNUM.

35% respondents appraise the situation in Russian Armed Forces as bad and very bad; 40% say the current state is satisfactory; only 8% consider all developments excellent and very good. Thirty five percent pollees said things are getting worse in the Russian military; 19% see positive changes.

67% Russians object increase of draft age up to 30 years; 57% respondents protest against cancellation of deferment for underclassmen and disapprove staff reductions in armed forces. 51% pollees consider military service on contract basis is correct; 57% Russians welcome wider opportunities for non-military service.