Published 2 months ago • loading... • Updated 2 months ago
Russian State Pollster Withholds Putin Ratings After Steepest Drop in 8 Years
State and independent polls show Putin’s approval at its lowest since 2022 as inflation and economic strain deepen public discontent.
On April 24, state polling agency VTSIOM reported President Vladimir Putin's approval rating fell to 65.5%, reflecting a sharp popularity decline over the past two months amid Russia's worsening economic crisis.
Economic deterioration noticeable since last year is driving public discontent, with Levada Center director Denis Volkov identifying inflation as 'the number one problem' fueling the erosion of support.
While 73% of Russians believe Putin is 'doing a good job,' surveys show 13% view his performance negatively and 17% distrust him, marking a historic shift in public sentiment since late February 2022.
Kremlin figures warn of instability resembling 1917, while Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov cautions that economic discontent threatens the administration's position in upcoming fall parliamentary elections.
Putin's status as stability guarantor faces its greatest test since 1999 as public mood shifts toward 1990s-era pessimism, with six of ten Russians now viewing the political situation negatively.