The influence of the political agenda of the SMO 
on electoral preferences in Russia

The article examines the impact of a central political event for our country, a special military operation, on political views and sentiments in Russia, and above all, a young audience. It is noted that the political agenda shapes citizens' perceptions of domestic and foreign policy, and also significantly affects the dynamics of electoral sentiment in the country as a whole. The purpose of our research is to identify the areas of influence of the political agenda of the SMO on the political views and values of Russians, primarily young people. The article uses a multimethodological approach, using a set of theoretical and empirical research methods. To analyze the specifics of the categories "political agenda" and "electoral preferences", a systematic approach was used, which made it possible to identify the key characteristics of these concepts. The research also used methods of analysis and synthesis, logical and causal analysis. The empirical basis of the work is based on the author's sociological research conducted in the online survey format. 152 respondents from Moscow and the Moscow, Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Saratov regions, as well as the Krasnodar Territory took part in it. In addition, the study used a content analysis of Telegram channels, which made it possible to identify and rank topics that influence electoral preferences in Russia. The results of the sociological survey showed the importance of the influence of the Special Military Operation factor on the electoral preferences of citizens. More than a third of the respondents noted that their political views have changed over the past three years, while most of them directly associate these changes with their own, considering it as one of the key political events of our time. The candidate's position on his SMO issues also plays an important role in the selection process: this is especially true for young people, who tend to support those politicians whose views correspond to the current state agenda. Respondents also attach great importance to the position of political parties on issues related to their SMO, which indicates the growing political importance of this factor. Based on the data obtained, it is possible to predict a further transformation of electoral sentiments in the context of its the strengthening of patriotic sentiments in society, especially against the background of the ongoing operation, is becoming a significant factor determining the choice of voters. The purpose of the content analysis of the Top-5 news Telegram channels was to identify topics on the political agenda that are interesting to young Russians and what place their topics occupy in these topics. The results showed that SMO is one of the priority topics that are most often mentioned in popular Telegram channels. In addition, young people are interested in the current economic situation and social problems, which in turn are also influenced by their own. The theoretical significance of the article is to summarize research on the political agenda and identify its impact on electoral preferences. In the context of intense information warfare, the state actively forms content aimed at strengthening national identity and protecting the country's strategic interests. The practical significance of the article is the study of the transformation of political views in Russia under the influence of SMO, especially among young people. The article concludes that the key changes in Russians' electoral preferences directly reflect the emotional and social contexts associated with their There is an increase in patriotic sentiments and confidence in the institution of elections, where the main consolidating factor is the President of the Russian Federation. There is also a decrease in the mood of political absenteeism among young people, an increase in their interest and involvement in domestic and international politics. An analysis of Russians' electoral preferences shows that they are significantly consolidated in relation to the political agenda formed under the influence of a Special military operation.