Results of a new U.S.-funded survey say most Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine do not feel "under pressure or threatened" because of their language.
The International Republican Institute (IRI) said the findings "contradict claims by Moscow that Russian-speaking citizens are being threatened, a claim many believe is a pretext to further Russian incursions into Ukraine."
According to the results, 85 percent of Ukrainians, and 66 percent of ethnic Russians, said they don't feel that Russian-speaking citizens are facing increased pressure since the February ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.
The IRI said 1,200 people participated in the poll, which was conducted in all Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, from March 14-26.
The U.S. Agency for International Development funded the survey.
The International Republican Institute (IRI) said the findings "contradict claims by Moscow that Russian-speaking citizens are being threatened, a claim many believe is a pretext to further Russian incursions into Ukraine."
According to the results, 85 percent of Ukrainians, and 66 percent of ethnic Russians, said they don't feel that Russian-speaking citizens are facing increased pressure since the February ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.
The IRI said 1,200 people participated in the poll, which was conducted in all Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, from March 14-26.
The U.S. Agency for International Development funded the survey.