Ne-maligni uticaj: Šta misli i radi ruska zajednica u Srbiji?
Non-malign influence: What does the Russian community in Serbia think and do?

Author(s): Srđan Cvijić, Kristina Nikolić
Subject(s): Civil Society, Security and defense, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Geopolitics
Published by: BCBP Beogradski centar za bezbednosnu politiku
Keywords: Russian immigrant; Serbia; Russian aggression;
Summary/Abstract: This study investigates the political attitudes of the Russian immigrant community in Serbia that moved after the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. The research reveals the basic reasons for their leaving Russia, their willingness to engage in political and civic activism, as well as their adaptation to Serbian society and plans for the future. The research methodology combines public opinion research with in-depth structured interviews with a representative sample of Russian citizens living in Serbia. The study confirms prevailing assumptions that this group generally holds progressive, pro-democracy views and is largely opposed to Vladimir Putin's regime and his military aggression in Ukraine. These results show that concerns about the possibility of this community destabilizing the region, or that it can serve as a tool for propagating Moscow's influence in Serbia, are unjustified. A significant majority of respondents declare that they feel safe in their new country of residence and are well adapted to the local environment, while 40.2% plan to stay in Serbia for at least the next five years. Despite widespread opposition to Putin and the war, most respondents (72.8%) express limited interest in more active political engagement. This research concludes that Russians in Serbia prioritize their security and economic well-being, and are reluctant to jeopardize them by participating in political activities that could draw attention to their opposition to the regime in Russia.

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