Russian Nuclear Energy Approval Jumps from 14% to 78% Since 1990 - VCIOM Survey
Quick Look
- A VCIOM survey shows Russian approval of nuclear energy development has surged from 14% in 1990 to 78% in 2026, a 5.5-fold increase.
- Regions hosting nuclear power plants show the highest approval, while Siberian and North Caucasian federal districts show the lowest.
- The April 19, 2026 survey involved 1,600 respondents aged 18+.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The survey reveals a dramatic shift in Russian public opinion toward nuclear energy over 36 years, with approval increasing more than fivefold. Regional differences correlate with proximity to nuclear power infrastructure.
MOSCOW, April 24. /TASS/. The number of Russians approving of the nuclear energy development has increased from 14% to 78% since 1990, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) survey revealed. "The number of Russians approving of the nuclear energy development has grown 5.5-fold since 1990 - from 14% to 78%," the VCIOM official website says. Analysts note that approval of nuclear energy is directly linked to how deeply the industry is integrated into the life of a particular region. According to experts, the regions with the highest levels of approval were predictably those hosting nuclear power plants, while the lowest-ranking regions were those without operating power plants (the Siberian and North Caucasian federal districts). The survey, conducted on April 19, 2026, involved 1,600 Russians over the age of 18.
Open Questions
- What specific factors drove the increase in approval?
- What is the current state of nuclear power development in Russia?
