* What do Russians think of sham 'referendums' in occupied πΊπ¦? * TL;DR: on avg, our respondents tend to: (a) think that the majority of residents in occupied πΊπ¦ territories want to join π·πΊ, and (b) support annexation of those territories. But levels of uncertainty are high. 𧡠1/
We asked to what extent π·πΊ respondents agree that the majority of residents of so-called LNR, DNR, Kherson & Zaporizhzhia oblasts want to join π·πΊ. If we exclude DK/NA responses, ~81% agreed; if we include these in denom., ~60% agreed. 2/ 
This suggests that while the majority of Russians think that Ukrainians in these occupied territories want to join π·πΊ, there is a lot of uncertainty. 3/
(Note: we originally asked abt each territory individually. The distributions of responses were almost identical across Qs, suggesting that π·πΊ ppl are not drawing major distinctions btwn the 4 regions. On this basis we decided to combine them into one Q.) 4/
We also asked to what extent respondents think π·πΊ shld annex these πΊπ¦ territories if the majority of their residents vote to join π·πΊ. Here the pattern is similar: ~79% (excl. DK/NAs) , or ~61% (incl. DK/NAs in denom.) said π·πΊ shld annex. 4/
For context: today was the final day of 'voting' in π·πΊ-staged 'referendums' on occupied πΊπ¦ territories. π·πΊ's Central Election Commission claimed that btwn 87% (Kherson) & 99% (DNR) of voters in these regions support annexation: meduza.io/en/feature/202β¦. 5/
The 'voting' process was marred by reports of fear & coercion, and Western leaders say the 'referendums' are illegal under international law: npr.org/2022/09/27/112β¦. 6/
For more public opinion data from π·πΊ, see our website: russiawatcher.com. /END
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