According to surveys conducted in July, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest level since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. The polls cited by media outlets also indicate a growing share of Russians who view the president’s performance negatively.

According to the published findings, the decline marks the sharpest drop in approval in several years. One of the main factors behind the trend is believed to be the worsening situation in Russia’s domestic fuel market. Several regions have reported gasoline shortages, rising fuel prices, and restrictions on fuel sales. For the first time in years, fuel availability has emerged as one of the country's primary public concerns.

Experts note that the decline in approval ratings does not necessarily signal a dramatic shift in political attitudes but may reflect growing public dissatisfaction with the country's socio-economic situation. Historically, domestic economic issues — including inflation, pension reforms, and declining living standards — have had a greater impact on public perceptions of the government than foreign policy developments.

The current situation is particularly notable because, for the first time since the autumn of 2022, the main driver of declining public support appears to be domestic economic problems rather than developments related to the war. Analysts suggest this could signal the need for Russian authorities to stabilize the fuel market and curb rising prices, as everyday economic concerns increasingly shape public sentiment.

At the same time, experts caution that opinion polls conducted in Russia should be interpreted carefully. Given restrictions on freedom of expression and the broader political climate, some respondents may be reluctant to openly criticize the authorities, meaning that actual public attitudes could differ from the results reported in official surveys.

CCBS Expert Group

#ANALYSIS

#RUSSIA

17.07.2026 11:46