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Citizens’ Pulse: Support for Ukraine has remained strong throughout Russia’s war of aggression

Government Communications Department
Publication date 24.2.2023 12.50 | Published in English on 27.2.2023 at 11.52
Press release

According to the Citizens’ Pulse survey conducted by the Prime Minister’s Office, Finns’ support for the sanctions against Russia and for receiving Ukrainian refugees has remained strong throughout Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. All in all, 89 per cent of respondents support the EU’s economic sanctions on Russia, while 80 per cent support receiving Ukrainian refugees.

The situation in Ukraine and the impacts of Russia’s war of aggression continue to be cause for some or very much concern among two out of five respondents. That said, concern that the war will spread beyond Ukraine has decreased from previous surveys.

“Although Russia’s war of aggression has continued for a long time and the rise in living costs has hampered the everyday lives of many people, Finns’ support for Ukraine has remained steady throughout the past year,” says Senior Specialist Juho Jyrkiäinen from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Around two out of three respondents feel that Finland’s application to join NATO has increased their sense of security. This number is has risen slightly since last summer, when Finland submitted its application. Only six per cent of the respondents felt that their sense of security had decreased with Finland’s application to join NATO.

Concerns about the price of electricity have decreased

This round of the survey shows a clear decrease in concerns about changes in the prices of electricity and other forms of energy. Nevertheless, more than one third are still fairly or very concerned. The majority of citizens are still making efforts to conserve energy, but an increasing number of people reported not doing so. 

Concerns about income have also clearly eased, with one in ten respondents now saying they are fairly or very concerned about their household income in the next month. Half of Finns still report making changes to their consumption habits due to rising prices.

Most respondents said they were satisfied with how democracy functions in Finland. Two out of three felt that they could influence matters important to them and their loved ones by voting.

Trust in politicians has increased compared to the previous surveys. In this round, 71 per cent of the respondents said they could trust the Government, 66 per cent could trust Parliament and 41 per cent could trust political parties.

The 43rd round of the Citizens’ Pulse survey was conducted between 15 and 20 February 2023. The Citizens’ Pulse survey examines citizens’ opinions on current topics and the actions of the authorities and asks respondents about their mood and expectations for the future. Statistics Finland is responsible for collecting the survey data.

Inquiries: Juho Jyrkiäinen, Senior Specialist, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 181