Public trust in Vladimir Putin has reached a historic low since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This is evidenced by the results of a recent sociological survey conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM). The study data, published by Meduza and RBC-Ukraine, records a sharp decline in the head of state's rating against the backdrop of large-scale air attacks on Moscow.
Sharp Decline Amidst Attacks
The survey was conducted between June 19 and 21, immediately after the Russian capital was subjected to the largest air attack in recent times. Sociologists recorded a rapid drop in ratings: in just one week, the trust indicator lost 5 percentage points. If in mid-June it was holding at 74%, it has now fallen to 69%.
Experts emphasize that the current 69% is an absolute minimum for Vladimir Putin for the entire duration of the war. For comparison, even during the most acute crises — the announcement of partial mobilization in autumn 2022, the loss of Kherson, or Yevgeny Prigozhin's military mutiny in summer 2023 — the level of trust in FOM polls never dropped below 74–76%.
Data Discrepancies and Internal Instability
While FOM records negative dynamics, another state sociological service — VCIOM — has published alternative data, declaring a "growth" in trust in the president to 76.7%. However, the general picture in the country speaks of growing instability.
Lately, signs of declining trust in the authorities have been recorded more frequently in Russia. In particular, Vladimir Putin has faced unprecedented public pressure from members of the State Duma. Parliamentarians have demanded that the head of state present a clear plan to end hostilities. One deputy openly stated that due to corruption, economic problems, and constant drone strikes, Russia is on the verge of a major social explosion.
Intelligence Data on Growing Dissatisfaction
The trend of a rapid decline in the ratings of the ruling elite is confirmed by internal Kremlin data. As revealed by secret documents intercepted by Ukrainian intelligence, Russian security services have already recorded a steady decline in support for the pro-government party.
According to these documents, the presidential administration has already prepared the dictator for the fact that Russian dissatisfaction with the authorities' actions will steadily grow, at least until autumn. This indicates that the country's leadership is aware of the depth of the trust crisis caused by the protracted war and the deteriorating economic situation.