MOSCOW. May 6 (Interfax) - Fifty-one percent of Russians polled by the Levada Analytical Center back Moscow's policy on Syria, but a greater number (55%) believe it is time the campaign was brought to a close.
According to the pollster, Russians either do not follow Syrian events (39%), or do not give them much attention (48%). Only 13% said they were monitoring Syria closely.
The poll's respondents do not rule out that the Syria campaign could become "a new Afghanistan" for Russia: 6% are sure this will happen, 31% believe it is quite possible, 34% think it is unlikely, and 16% say it is unrealistic, Levada said in a statement.
The center polled 1,625 people aged 18 and older in 137 populated localities in 50 regions on April 18-23, 2019.
Russia launched its Syria campaign on September 30, 2015. A significant reduction of the Russian contingent in Syria was announced in December 2017. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, "over 68,000 servicemen, including 460 generals, have gained experience of combat in Syria." More than 90,000 terrorists have been killed as a result of Russia's Syria campaign.