THE VAST majority of Slovaks support the idea that Ukraine should decide independently about its future without Russian intervention. This opinion is shared by people of all ages, education levels and political affiliations.
As many as 83 percent of the 1,025 people surveyed by the FOCUS polling agency agree with the opinion that Russia should not intervene in the Ukrainian crisis. Also, more than 60 percent do not consider Ukraine to be in Russia’s sphere of influence. The survey was conducted on June 3-10, 2014, before Russia cut off gas to the country. The Sme daily, which published the results, financially contributed to the survey.
On questions related to NATO, 58 percent of those surveyed responded that the alliance is a guarantor of Slovak safety and 59 percent said that if Russia were to attack a NATO member state, that Slovakia would be required to help defend that country.
However, Ľuboš Blaha of the Smer party questioned the results, claiming that the questions were suggestive.
“I would also say in the survey that Russia should not intervene in Ukraine, but that the same holds true for the west and the USA,” Blaha said, as quoted by Sme.
On the other hand, Alexander Duleba from the Slovak Foreign Policy Association considers the questions and responses in the survey to have been unambiguous.
Compiled by Spectator staff from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
