Around 91% of Russians identify as patriotic, and 52% describe themselves as unconditionally patriotic. For 38% of the population, patriotism means a readiness to defend their homeland against any threat or accusation. These findings come from surveys conducted by the All-Russian Center for Public Opinion (VCIOM) and reflect a broad spectrum of views about what it means to love one’s country.
Nearly half of respondents—48%—say that patriotism involves actions and work that benefit the country as a whole. In their view, loyalty translates into daily responsibility, civic engagement, and a commitment to the national welfare beyond personal interests.
Family ties and loved ones were cited by 16% as a core source of patriotic feeling, with place of birth noted by 15% as a key connection to the homeland. A further 10% connect patriotism to a sense of solidarity with compatriots, mutual support, and shared goals for collective well-being.
Understanding and cherishing the country’s history, culture, and traditions is considered patriotic by 9% of those surveyed. Contributing to the country’s development and well-being is recognized by 7%, while 6% equate patriotism with staying and loving one’s homeland rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
During the survey period, about one third of respondents emphasized the importance of expressing truthful views about the nation, even when the truth is difficult to hear. For 32%, patriotism is tied to a person’s own sense of belonging within the country. About 31% associate patriotism with the desire to influence national conditions to secure a better future, and 18% believe that pride in one’s country includes viewing it as superior to others.
Specialists from VTsIOM note regional nuances. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, a higher share of residents identified as patriotic compared with some other regions, with St. Petersburg showing a notably strong patriotic sentiment at 95%. Conversely, a small minority of about 5% do not consider themselves patriotic.
Younger adults, aged 18 to 24, tend to express patriotism through knowledge of the country’s culture and history and through a commitment to its development. Among middle-aged adults, the sense of a personal homeland is strongest for those aged 45 to 59, with family life playing a central role in shaping patriotic feelings for this group. These patterns highlight how patriotism can be experienced and expressed differently across life stages and social contexts.
Across a broad spectrum of expressions, a consistent thread emerges: patriotism often correlates with a willingness to defend the nation, a readiness to tell the truth about the country, and a belief in the country’s capacity to improve. While the precise emphasis varies, the overall level of patriotic sentiment remained high throughout the observed period, with the largest single-year peak recorded in earlier years and stable levels persisting in recent surveys. The trend suggests that a robust base of civic identity and national belonging continues to influence public attitudes and national discourse.
In summary, patriotic sentiment in Russia is multi-faceted. It encompasses defense of the homeland, civic responsibility, respect for history and culture, family ties, and personal identification with the nation. The data indicate that many Russians view patriotism as a blend of honesty, communal progress, and loyalty, rather than a single, narrow definition. The broad consistency of these attitudes across major cities and varying age groups underscores patriotism as a pervasive aspect of national life rather than a uniform political stance.