A new survey by the independent Levada Center in Moscow reveals that 40 percent of Russians identify Sweden as a hostile country, with a majority feeling Russia is surrounded by enemies and is itself a victim. The findings were reported between 11:15 AM and 1:15 PM UTC on January 31, 2026. The Levada Center survey indicates that most respondents perceive Russia as victimized amid perceived encirclement by hostile nations, according to the report titled 'The Russians point out the Swedes - a hostile country.' Sweden ranks prominently among countries viewed as hostile by 40 percent of those polled. No specific methodology details or sample size were provided in the source. This development occurs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, though no direct connection to prior reports on Norwegian surveillance issues near the Melkøya LNG plant or Ukrainian weather conditions was noted in the new survey findings.
