Non-Malign Influence: What Does the Russian Community in Serbia Think and Do?

It reveals the primary reasons for leaving Russia, the willingness to engage in political and civic activism, and their adaptation to Serbian society and plans for the future. The research methodology combines a public opinion survey with in-depth structured interviews with a representative sample of Russian nationals living in Serbia. The study confirms prevailing assumptions that this group tends to hold liberal, pro-democratic views, and is largely opposed to Vladimir Putin’s regime and its military aggression in Ukraine.

These results counter concerns about the potential for this community to destabilise the region or serve as a vehicle for propagating Moscow’s influence. A significant majority of participants report feeling safe in their new country of residence and well-adapted to the local environment, with 40.2% planning to stay in Serbia for at least the next five years. Despite the widespread opposition to Putin and the war, however, most respondents (72.8%) express limited interest in engaging more actively in political affairs.

This research concludes that Russians in Serbia prioritise their safety and economic well-being, and are hesitant to jeopardise these by participating in political activities that might draw attention to their opposition to the regime in Russia.