Survey: In Russia, religious youth support the war more than atheists

Orthodox youth in Russia. Photo: Synodal Department for Youth Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church
In 2023, researchers and partners from the International Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory at Nizhny Novgorod Linguistic University (NGLU), focused on the study of global and regional socio-political processes, conducted a survey among university students in Nizhny Novgorod. The results were published in a monograph released in 2024 and include statistics on youth attitudes toward the war.
Support for military actions in Ukraine varies significantly depending on gender and social status. The percentage of respondents who clearly support the war differs sharply between groups:
- Among young men – 42.5%; among young women – 27.4%;
- Among those with good or average financial status – 37.1%; among the economically disadvantaged – only 14.5%;
- Among believers (regardless of denomination) – 43.2%; among atheists – 23.7%.
The study also included data on trust in various institutions. Charitable organizations received the highest level of trust among youth – 91.6%. In general, non-profit organizations are the most trusted institutions in Russia. The institution with the lowest level of trust is the Church.
Earlier, it was reported that in the United States, more and more young people are embracing Orthodoxy.
Read also

Vandal attacks Moscow Patriarchate church in Italy
The perpetrator broke down the door, overturned candle stands, and damaged the icon of Christ Pantocrator.

Security forces to interrogate children at Bancheny Monastery
The investigative actions are being carried out as part of a case initiated following a fake video published by blogger Kalancha.
UOC faithful in Pohorilivka celebrating Trinity outside church for 3rd year
The parish celebrated the Great Feast in a special room repurposed for services outside the church.
St Sophia's Cathedral in Kyiv damaged due to Russia's shelling
The cornice on the main apse of the church was damaged by the blast wave.
In vlg Olkha, Zhytomyr region, church of Intercession Monastery consecrated
Metropolitan Nikodim consecrated the Altar of the lower Сhurch of Sts. Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves in the Cathedral of the Olkha Monastery.
Patriarch of Jerusalem calls for an end to violence in Gaza and Ukraine
The Patriarch offered prayers for peace between Russia and Ukraine and for the restoration of church unity.