VLADIVOSTOK. Sept 6 (Interfax) - The Kremlin disagrees with the opinion that the special operation in Ukraine has polarized Russian society and believes that it has in fact consolidated it, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.
"Various points of view always exist and clash in a society. I wouldn't say that some special polarization has occurred. On the contrary, I'd say that 2022 is a year of consolidation of our society," Peskov said in an interview with RBC.
He attributed this consolidation to "unprecedented events and tectonic shifts" happening in the world and around Russia.
"They've led to the absolute consolidation of our society around President Putin. This can't be disputed, this is beyond doubt," he said.
"There are some who do not support it, but they're in the minority," Peskov said.
"There are some who have voiced some alternative viewpoints while remaining within the legal framework, and a discussion is ongoing with them. There are some who have gone beyond the legal framework, and they've been held responsible in line with the law. Absolutely normal processes are underway," he said.
At the same time, "the events that have happened this year are so serious that this may cause emotional outbreaks, which is also quite understandable," he said.
Asked whether he has noticed any changes in the sentiments in Russian society regarding the special military operation over the past half a year, Peskov reiterated that he could speak only about consolidation, because, as he put it, an absolute majority of the Russian population supports the commander-in-chief's decisions and is willing to help "the people living in the [Donetsk and Luhansk People's] Republics, and this is only gaining momentum."