Putin's War Support Has Fallen to a Minimum: What Polls Show.

According to ТСН: The war unleashed by Putin against Ukraine once enjoyed great support in Russia, but there is now a clear trend of decline. The material, human, and reputational costs of this conflict are rising.

Internal Support for the War in Russia

It is known that the war initiated by Vladimir Putin's regime in February 2022 initially received support from a majority of Russians. European officials interpret various polls and high approval ratings for Putin as evidence of the war's popularity in the country. In response, they are implementing restrictions on Russians traveling to the eurozone.

“Perhaps Putin's war was once genuinely a broadly recognized enterprise. But now there are clear signs that internal support for Russia's 'special military operation' against Ukraine is weakening, as its material, human, and reputational losses continue to grow,”

the material states. In a recent poll by the Moscow Levada Center, only 25% of respondents supported the continuation of military actions, while 66% expressed a desire for peace negotiations to end the conflict.

Despite these changes, support for the armed forces remains high—around 73%, even amidst the harsh actions of Russian military in Ukraine. Putin remains popular: 52% of Russians approve of his policies in Ukraine, despite uncertainty about the conflict. However, an increasing number of people are realizing that the costs of military failures outweigh any potential benefits.

“Of course, Russia is not a democracy where public opinion can influence elite decision-making. Nonetheless, the decline in enthusiasm for the conflict among ordinary Russians undoubtedly creates problems for Putin, who increasingly ties the legitimacy of his rule to a revived imperial greatness,”

analysts write. An important factor remains Western pressure: if the resolve of the US and EU weakens, it could bolster Russia's military machine and diminish the impact of deteriorating domestic sentiments. Conversely, if pressure on the Kremlin intensifies, it might lead the Russian public to understand the real consequences of military actions.

Moreover, Putin has signed a decree calling up citizens for military service until 2026.

The situation inside Russia continues to be complicated. The consequences of the war are felt not only on the front lines but also in social and economic life. The reactions of society will determine how future events unfold, as rising discontent may influence the regime's resilience.