Is Putin’s Grip Slipping? Approval Ratings Hit Post-War Lows

Translation resultCritics say tightened social-media controls as the Ukraine war drags on and the economy weakens are making Russia resemble North Korea. Putin’s leadership is wobbling, and his approval rating has fallen to a post-war low.Public opinion toward President Vladimir Putin has deteriorated sharply. Even politicians and business leaders who previously stayed silent have voiced disappointment since renewed Ukrainian counterattacks forced Russian forces onto the defensive.The Guardian reported on the 24th (local time), citing interviews with Putin confidants, business figures and Western intelligence officials, that talk of an imminent coup may be exaggerated, but there is no doubt he is confronting the most challenging period of his rule. “The mood among elites has definitely shifted this year,” a business insider said. “There is deep disappointment in the president.”Independent outlet Meduza reported on May 19 that Renat Suleimanov, a Communist Party deputy in the State Duma, told regional media Russia could not sustain a prolonged “special military operation” in Ukraine and urged that it “end as soon as possible.” Putin, however, has reiterated his intent not to end the war on current terms.The Guardian also argued that this year’s broad blocks on social networks—especially Telegram—have been decisive in shaping public opinion. A Kremlin official told reporters, “At dinner tables everyone talks about internet access,” and said Russia now resembles North Korea in some respects and even envies China.Putin’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since the war began. The state-run Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) put his approval at 65.6 percent for April 13–19, a sharp drop from the 70–80 percent range seen in early 2022 before the invasion. The center did not release results after the May first-week holiday; after switching from phone to face-to-face surveys, it reported a rise to 66.8 percent for May 4–10.Worsening economic conditions have also eroded public support. The Ministry of Economic Development said GDP contracted by 0.3 percent in the first quarter. The government sharply cut its 2026 growth forecast from 1.3 percent to 0.4 percent. It expects real household income growth to plunge from 7.7 percent last year to 1.6 percent this year, and consumer spending growth to slow from 4 percent to 1.2 percent.