Russians’ Trust in Army Falls to 66% as 60% Say Economy Is Worsening
Updated
Updated · Українські Національні Новини · Jul 4
Russians’ Trust in Army Falls to 66% as 60% Say Economy Is Worsening
2 articles · Updated · Українські Національні Новини · Jul 4
Summary
Gallup’s March-May 2026 polling found record-low Russian sentiment, with 60% saying economic conditions in their city or region are worsening and 56% reporting a lower standard of living.
Trust in state institutions fell even faster: confidence in the army dropped to 66% from 79% a year earlier, government trust to 53% from 67%, and belief in honest elections to 40% from 56%.
Labor-market views also darkened, with 58% calling it a bad time to find a job, up from 46%, while Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service said low unemployment reflects mobilization-driven labor shortages rather than economic strength.
The agency said the sharpest annual declines on record show wartime social consolidation is fading as economic strain and the prolonged war in Ukraine erode public patience and make support harder for the Kremlin to sustain.
If Russian public trust is collapsing, why does Putin’s regime remain unshaken?
How are millions of Russians bypassing a total media blackout to learn the truth about the war?
With its wartime economy overheating, is Russia on the brink of an unavoidable economic collapse?
Record Pessimism in Russia: Economic Crisis, Sanctions, and Repression Drive Public Mood in 2026
Overview
Between March and May 2026, Russia experienced a sharp shift from post-2022 optimism to widespread pessimism, with public mood hitting record lows about the economy and living standards. Most Russians now expect an economic crisis, and two-thirds say their finances are difficult. This growing discontent is fueled by a declining job market, eroding trust in national institutions, and reduced media freedom. The report shows that these trends are deeply connected, as economic hardship and tighter information controls combine to undermine public confidence and create a sense of unease across the country.