Half of Russians perceive Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, and an equal number believes that those republics, as well as Transnistria should have a formal independent status, a study carried out by Levada Center shows.

According to almost every second Russian, South Ossetia and Abkhazia should be independent (48% and 47%, respectively). 7% and 8% of the respondents respectively were convinced that those republics should be part of Georgia, while some 23% and 22% of them think South Ossetia and Abkhazia should join Russia. 23% of the respondents took no stance.

Half (49%) of Russians said Transnistria should become an independent state, while 17% suggested that the region remain part of Moldova. One out of three (34%) took no stance.

According to 42%, Nagorno Karabakh should also be recognized as an independent state. One out of ten respondents (10%) suggested that the region join Azerbaijan, while 9% believe that it should join Armenia. More than a third (39%) gave no definite answer.