Updated · CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies · Jul 7
81% of Russians Back Ending War as Fuel Shortages Deepen Economic Strain
Updated
Updated · CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies · Jul 7
81% of Russians Back Ending War as Fuel Shortages Deepen Economic Strain
1 articles · Updated · CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies · Jul 7
Summary
A record 81% of Russians say they would support ending the war immediately, while 58% rank ending the conflict and improving personal finances as the country’s top priorities.
Fuel shortages triggered by Ukrainian strikes on refineries are amplifying a broader economic downturn: 60% say local conditions are worsening, 56% report falling living standards, and those reporting financial deterioration rose to 41% by March 2026.
That economic stress is now showing up in political sentiment, with confidence in the military down 13 points to 66%, trust in the national government down 14 points to 53%, and Putin’s approval slipping to 79% in Levada’s April poll.
Polling and regional evidence suggest direct military shocks can briefly rally hard-liners, but personally felt costs such as fuel queues and shortages push less ideological loyalists toward negotiations and troop withdrawal.
The analysis argues these visible, everyday disruptions are harder for the Kremlin to contain through propaganda, raising the domestic political cost of sustaining the war even if they do not by themselves force a policy reversal.
Ukraine’s drone strikes are turning the Russian public against the war. Is this the strategy that finally brings peace?
As its war machine falters, will Russia's growing economic reliance on China determine the conflict's ultimate outcome?
With Russia's economy in a 'genuine endgame,' is Vladimir Putin's hold on power finally starting to crack?
Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Cripples 42% of Russian Oil Refineries, Fueling Economic Instability and Public Unrest
Overview
Russia is facing a severe fuel crisis caused by ongoing Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on its key oil refineries. These strikes have disrupted Russia’s ability to produce and distribute gasoline and other fuels, leading to widespread shortages and economic strain. The confirmed attack on the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery highlights the vulnerability of Russia’s infrastructure. Unless Ukraine’s drone production slows or Russia can protect its refineries, the disruption is expected to continue, putting long-term pressure on Russia’s economy, society, and military operations, and making recovery increasingly difficult.