Russian Approval of Putin's Economic Policy Turns Negative for First Time Since 2022
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jun 12
Russian Approval of Putin's Economic Policy Turns Negative for First Time Since 2022
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jun 12
Summary
One-third of Russians now view Vladimir Putin’s economic policies negatively, versus 15% positively, marking the first net-negative reading since 2022, according to NEST Centre polling.
The shift comes as Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure, European sanctions and wartime spending squeeze Moscow’s finances; defense now absorbs 40% of the federal budget.
Economic discontent is concentrated among poorer Russians, people aged 45-65 and social-media news consumers, while younger, wealthier, Moscow-based and traditional-media audiences remain markedly more supportive.
36% of respondents said the economy worsened over the past three months, against 18% who saw improvement, putting sentiment near levels seen during the COVID-19 shock and the 2018 pension reform backlash.
Researchers said the Kremlin still sees the mood as grumbling rather than a political threat, though accumulating dissatisfaction could increase pressure on Putin and raise the risk of policy mistakes.