Capitalism and democracy are losing favor in the former Soviet states of Eastern and Central Europe, according to a poll published on Monday. Most respondents reported a stronger feeling of economic comfort under communism. Agence France-Presse published this on November 3:

Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, research by the Pew Research Center showed the percentage of people approving of democracy was markedly lower in the former Soviet bloc compared to a similar 1991 poll.The biggest change was in Ukraine, where there was a massive 42 percent drop in support: Only 30 percent of Ukrainians asked said they now approved of the change to the multiparty system, down from 72 percent in 1991.

In January, we wrote, “Ukraine’s quest to become a member of nato, and more integrated with Europe and the European Union, is dead. Don’t be surprised if, over the next few months, Kiev—adjusting to life without the backing of Europe—accepts the inevitable and assumes a more pro-Russian stance.”

Then, in August, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev lambasted Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko for his pro-Western policies, but embraced the Ukrainian people.

This recent poll’s results show that Ukrainians are succumbing to Russia’s efforts to woo them, and that the Kremlin’s efforts to pry Kiev away from the West and toward Russia are paying dividends.

The poll, conducted between August 27 and September 24, surveyed around 1,000 people across the UK, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine.

The Ukrainians surveyed gave capitalism the lowest approval rating of any country, with only 36 percent saying they approved.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has made clear to the West that he thinks of Ukraine as Russian property, and this poll indicates that more Ukrainians than ever agree with him. Putin also called the Soviet Union’s collapse the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century, and has dedicated himself to reversing that “catastrophe” and restoring Russia to what he sees is its rightful position as a formidable world power.

He is not the only Russian with these sentiments about his country. Well over half of the Russians surveyed said they agreed with the statement, “It is a great misfortune that the Soviet Union no longer exists,” and almost half, 47 percent, believe “It is natural for Russia to have an empire.”

With Russian nationalism on the rise, and Ukrainians looking toward Moscow, it is clear Russian power is growing.

If Russia regains control of Ukraine, it will become bolder and more powerful still, and Europe will become more fearful of Moscow. Watch for Russia’s rise in power to continue, and watch Europe’s reaction to it. For more information, see our article “Russia and Germany Fulfill Prophecy.”