Most Georgians concerned about Russians' massive arrival Survey data

Almost 70 per cent of Georgians are concerned about the mass arrival of Russians in Georgia and fear the negative consequences.

The majority consider the policy of the Georgian authorities on this issue unacceptable, according to the results of a survey conducted by Caucasus Research Resource Centres (CRRC Georgia) upon the National Democratic Institute's (NDI) order, News Georgia reports.

Some 69 per cent of respondents fear the negative impact of the mass migration of Russians to Georgia. Around 17 per cent assess this positively, and six per cent think that it will not have a great impact.

About 57 per cent consider the loyal approach of the Georgian authorities to the mass arrival of Russians "unacceptable", 29 per cent - acceptable, and 13 per cent found it difficult to answer.

Some 69 per cent think that it is time to introduce a visa regime for Russian citizens, while 21 per cent are against it.

Around 54 per cent of respondents think that Russia is the culprit of the war in Ukraine, 25 per cent blame Putin; 15 per cent blame the US, eight per cent - Ukraine, and three per cent - NATO.

About 80 per cent of respondents have a negative attitude towards the Russian authorities, and 13 per cent – have a positive attitude. At the same time, 56 per cent have a positive attitude towards Russians, and 38 per cent have a negative attitude.

The survey was conducted through direct interviewing on December 3-20, a total of 2,519 respondents were interviewed. The possible error is +/- 1.6 per cent.