Fewer Russians Say Sanctions Harming as Economy Ebbs, Poll Shows

Fewer Russians say U.S. and European Union sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine are making life harder, even though most agree the country’s economy is weakening, according to a poll released today.

Half of Russian households saw “practically no problems,” while 31 percent said problems aren’t “too serious,” according to the Nov. 14-17 survey by the Moscow-based Levada Center. That compared with 35 percent and 44 percent in September. A total 80% “agreed” or “rather agreed” that “prices are sharply rising, living standards are clearly worsening and the country’s economy is weakening.”