A new survey conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) reveals that 57% of Russian citizens regret the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which occurred 35 years ago. The survey indicates a generational divide in perceptions, with the percentage of those expressing regret increasing with age. For example, 79% of respondents born before 1947 regret the collapse, while 78% from the 'stagnation generation' (born between 1948-1967) share this sentiment, and 72% from the 'reform generation' (born between 1968-1981) also express similar feelings. Among younger age groups, such as those under 24 and those aged 25-34, only 14% regret the dissolution.

The VTsIOM survey highlights a significant nostalgia among older generations for the Soviet era, contrasting sharply with the younger demographic, which shows less attachment to the past. It is also noteworthy that around 14% of respondents chose not to comment on the issue, indicating possibly a reluctance to express an opinion on such a sensitive topic. Furthermore, the survey reveals that nearly one-third of respondents (30%) believe the collapse of the Soviet Union was inevitable, suggesting a complex understanding of historical events among the populace.

These findings could have implications for current Russian politics and societal values, as nostalgia for the Soviet period might influence public sentiment towards policies that evoke that era. This trend may also affect the Kremlin's approach to historical narratives and how they frame the country's national identity in a post-Soviet context.