Most Russians do not doubt Savchenko is guilty - poll
MOSCOW. March 29 (Interfax) - Two-thirds of Russians (65%) are aware of the existence of Nadiya Savchenko, including 43% that know precisely who she is and 22% that have heard her name but know nothing about her, the Russian Public Opinion Study Center (VTsIOM) has said.
Most respondents described Savchenko as 'a Ukrainian pilot' (22%), 'a person adjusting artillery fire' (19%), and 'an inmate, a prisoner' (9%). Fourteen percent called her 'the killer of two Russian journalists', 9% said she was 'a terrorist' and 5% dubbed her 'a Ukrainian nationalist'.
Most of those who are aware of Savchenko's identity do not doubt that she is involved in the death of Russian journalists (81%). Only 4% of 1,600 respondents polled in 130 populated localities in 46 regions on March 19-20 do not believe that she is guilty. Fifteen percent are undecided.
Respondents were prone to describe Savchenko as 'a radical nationalist who hates Russia' (45%), rather than 'a soldier fulfilling her duty' (18%) or 'a victim of circumstances' (6%).
In the opinion of 47% of respondents, Savchenko should serve her time in prison and the Russian president should not interfere in her future after the sentence is passed. Twenty-eight percent agree that she may be exchanged for Russian citizens incarcerated in Ukraine, and only 2% believe that the Russian president should pardon Savchenko.
On March 22, 2016, the Donetsk City Court in the Rostov region found Ukrainian servicewoman Savchenko guilty of killing Russian journalists Igor Kornelyuk and Anton Voloshin for reasons of hatred and sentenced to her to 22 years in a general penitentiary. The court also found her guilty of an attempted murder and illegal crossing of the Russian border.
