iSANS begins to share the results of the sociological unit’s work. In this publication, we talk about how the views of Belarusians on domestic and foreign policy, economy, culture, and their own history have changed according to the results of the iSANS research monitoring.
Summary
The discussion of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the development of the Belarusian-American track, which resulted in the release of part of the political prisoners, probably caused an increase in interest in political news and led to a slight increase in attention to information published by independent media, as well as to an improvement in the assessment of attitudes towards the U.S.
The development of relations with Russia remains Belarus’s main foreign policy orientation. Despite an increase in the proportion of those oriented towards Russia over the past two years – 36% (+6pp), we can speak of a decrease in the number of supporters of integration over a 10-year period – 55% (-19pp), a decrease in the importance of the cultural and historical components of this integration, and an increase in its pragmatic (political and economic) aspects.
The decline in the significance of cultural and historical commonality with Russia is partly caused by the growth of Belarusian national identity, which is supported both by pro-democratic patriotic projects and at the grassroots level, as well as, to some extent, within the framework of official Belarusian policy aimed at prudent distancing from “unity” with Russia.
The Russia-Ukraine war has probably become one of the reasons for the separation of Belarusians from the Russian cultural and historical space, while the global crisis of the globalist project (including restrictions on freedom of movement resulting from domestic political problems) is prompting additional interest in local heritage and traditions.
The domestic political crisis of 2020 and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to a decline in social expectations regarding the country’s socio-economic situation. However, due to the low starting point effect and fears of war in Belarus, there is an increase in satisfaction with the current relatively stable state of affairs in the country.
Foreign policy
Russia (64%) and China (64%) are seen as Belarus’s main economic partners, as well as the European Union (38%, -5pp over the last year), Kazakhstan (38%), and the U.S. (33%, +7pp over the last two years). The steady growth in the importance of developing economic cooperation with the U.S. may be a consequence of Trump’s rise to the presidency, as well as a series of meetings/phone calls between the presidents that have taken place over the past four months. The perception of the U.S. as a threat to Belarus has also declined – 14% (-10pp). The most significant threats are considered to be NATO (34%, +5pp), Ukraine (28%, +9pp), Poland (21%), and Russia (18%, +5pp).
Support for the actions of Russian troops in Ukraine remains low (27%). Belarusian society, in general, is indifferent to military actions and supports the strategy of peaceful (amicable) settlement (69%). 21% (+3pp compared to 2014) consider the threat of Belarus being drawn into military conflicts outside the country to be quite possible in the next 10-15 years, and 15% consider war on the territory of Belarus to be possible.
Although maintaining an independent approach is a priority in foreign policy (40%), the proportion of respondents who favor orientation towards Russia has increased – 36% (+3pp). Nevertheless, over a 10-year period, there has been a decline in integrationist sentiments towards Russia – 55% (-19pp). While common history (37%, -18pp), language (26%, -9pp), and culture (25%, -10pp) were considered the main factors for integration in 2014, their influence has decreased in 2025; the importance of pragmatic (political and economic) factors (29%, +5pp) has increased, and the importance of countering external threats has decreased (18%, -5 pp).
Culture and history
In Belarus, despite everything, a national historical myth continues to develop and strengthen, allowing Belarus to be separated from Russia on a cultural level.
With a generally high level of patriotic sentiment in 2014, an additional increase has been observed by 2025 – 84% (+15pp). Love for Belarusian culture and history (57%), honest work, compliance with regulatory requirements (51%), and concern for the future of Belarus (50%) are the main aspects of the perception of patriotism.
The importance of history (51%, +5pp over the last two years), traditions (51%, +7pp), and the Belarusian language (23%, +6pp) as factors in the integration of the Belarusian people is growing. The proportion of those who believe that in 10 years’ time the majority of the population will speak Russian has decreased (44%, -9pp over the last 10 years). The proportion of those who consider the loss of the Belarusian language to be a real threat has decreased significantly (22%, -15pp).
Most respondents associate the origins of Belarusian statehood with early history periods – the medieval principalities of Polatsk and Turau (27%) and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (17%). Key historical events include the liberation of Belarus from Nazi occupation (33%), Belarus gaining independence in 1991 (33%), as well as the formation of the Principality of Polatsk (26%) and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (26%).
The Great Patriotic War is mainly perceived in the context of the national narrative – as a tragedy of the Belarusian people (23%) or a feat (22%). The Soviet narrative is also noticeable – the heroic feat of the Soviet people in the war against fascism (21%).
Domestic policy
The positive perception of the economic situation in Belarus continues to grow steadily – 35% (+3pp over the last 6 months and +19pp over the last 2 years). Over a 10-year period, there has been an increase in the proportion of positive assessments of the financial situation of families – 30% (+9pp) and a decrease in negative assessments – 11% (-10pp), as well as an increase in self-identification with people of average income – 64% (+9pp). The perception of inequality in society has decreased to 54% (-12pp) over the last 2 years.
The key tools for improving the system of public administration are considered to be the expansion of social guarantees (40%), the fight against corruption (39%) and bureaucratic mechanisms (36%), the strengthening of accountability at various levels (39%), and the provision of equal conditions for state-owned and private businesses (35%).
According to the population, the main threats to Belarus over the next 10-15 years are a population decline due to low birth rates (39%) and youth migration (38%), a sudden influx of migrants from other countries (31%), a decline in living standards (30%, +5pp), as well as restrictions on rights and freedoms (27%, +9pp).
The survey was conducted from September 5 to September 23, 2025. The sample size was 1,496 respondents. The sample corresponds to the structure of urban residents of Belarus aged 18-65 and is adjusted by gender, age, and region of residence. The survey was conducted using internet interviews (CAWI). Values may not add up to 100% due to rounding.
Материал доступен на русском языке: Патриотизм беларусов вырос, а США стало меньше восприниматься как угроза — результаты 5 волны мониторингового исследования iSANS