At the conference "March 1991 Referendum – August 1991 Putsch –Belovezh Agreements: How Mechanisms of Historical Mythmaking Work on the Political Agenda," experts discussed the reasons for the collapse of the USSR as well as its outcome for contemporary Russia.
"In terms of emotional perception, sociological data clearly showed a predominance of negative assessments such as disappointment, pity, sadness, etc. For example, 67% of Russians said they regretted the collapse of the USSR. This indicator that has been stable since 2005," said Mikhail Mamonov, the head of political analysis practice of the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center.
According to the survey, if the referendum were held now, 73% of the Russians would vote for the preservation of the USSR. In addition, it is noted that the idea of preserving the Soviet Union was also supported by the majority of the youngest age group.