Kara-Murza Says 62% of Russians Favor Peace Talks as Ukraine War Backfires on Putin
Updated
Updated · Global News · May 29
Kara-Murza Says 62% of Russians Favor Peace Talks as Ukraine War Backfires on Putin
1 articles · Updated · Global News · May 29
Vladimir Kara-Murza said the Ukraine war is now hurting Putin at home, arguing battlefield setbacks and economic strain have made the Kremlin look increasingly weak.
A Levada Center poll cited by Kara-Murza found 62% of Russians favor peace talks and 27% support continuing the war, though he said fear likely masks even deeper antiwar sentiment.
Rising inflation, tax increases, internet shutdowns and deeper Ukrainian drone strikes have added to public frustration, with security fears forcing Putin to scale down the May 9 Victory Day parade.
Ahead of September parliamentary elections, Kara-Murza said the Kremlin is targeting Yabloko figures and other antiwar voices to preserve the claim that the war still has broad public backing.
In Ottawa, where he backed tougher Canadian sanctions legislation, Kara-Murza said democracies should increase pressure on Moscow and prepare for a sudden political transition in Russia.
As polls show declining war support and drone strikes hit home, is the Kremlin's grip on power weaker than it appears?
Russia's economy is faltering and dissent is ruthlessly suppressed. What is the true breaking point for Putin's regime?
With transnational repression rising, are new international laws the only way to protect dissidents from authoritarian regimes?
Russian Support for Ukraine Invasion Declines to 72%: Economic Crisis and War Fatigue Fuel Calls for Peace Talks
Overview
Recent Levada Center surveys show a modest but steady decline in Russian public support for the war in Ukraine, dropping from 75.8% in January 2026 to 72.2% in February, while opposition has slightly increased. This shift, though support remains above 70%, signals a gradual change in public sentiment compared to previous years. The report links this trend to growing economic strain, war fatigue, and dissatisfaction with government restrictions. These factors, combined with ongoing military setbacks and increased repression, suggest that more Russians are quietly questioning the prolonged conflict and may be more open to peace talks in the future.