Ukraine's elections are still one of the hottest topics in the Russian media. Russian political analysts consider this growing attention to be justified, as Ukraine's choice in many ways will determine future Russian-Ukrainian relations. Yet an opinion poll indicates the majority of Russians are indifferent to the elections. Answering the question, Are you interested in Ukraine's presidential election campaign? – 33% of those polled gave a positive response (40% among those who are interested in politics, according to a recent poll. Almost twice as many, 60%, are not interested in the elections, and 7% are undecided.

The greatest interest in Ukraine's elections is displayed by KPRF voters (57%), university graduates (46%), and middle-income individuals (incomes between 1000 and 2000 rubles per month). More likely than average to be interested in the polls are people over 55 (43%), who perceive Ukraine as a kindred nation. A relatively greater interest vote is shown among politicized Muscovites (41%), and inhabitants of Russia's Northwest (40%). In the Urals and Siberia, this interest is much weaker (24% and 27%, respectively).

It appears that a weak public interest in the Ukrainian elections partly stems from the fact that many Russians still don't understand what significance the electoral choice of Ukrainians may have for Russia. We can assume that the respondents don't see any great difference between the leading contenders – Viktor Yushchenko and Viktor Yanukovich and don't believe the election outcome may significantly change Russo-Ukrainian relations.

On the question: Does it matter for Russia which of the candidates wins Ukraine's presidential elections? If you think it does, whose victory would best meet Russia's interests: Yushchenko's or Yanokuvich's? – 50% of those interviewed failed to give any answer. Another 20% said the electoral choice of the Ukrainian people is not important for Russia. The remaining 30% divided as follows: 8% believe Russia's interests would best be served by Yushchenko's victory, and 23% assume Yanukovich would be better. The former is most favored by KPRF followers (43%), adapted pessimists (28%), people over 55 (31%), university graduates (31%) and people with average incomes (1000-2000 rubles) – 28%. These are the same socio-demographic groups that display the keenest interest in the Ukrainian election campaign.