Russian official says country has had enough of Putin's war
Updated
Updated · Fortune · May 3
Russian official says country has had enough of Putin's war
2 articles · Updated · Fortune · May 3
The official said Russia still cannot seize Ukraine's Donetsk region, as GDP shrank early this year and Putin's approval fell to 65.6% from 77.8%.
Ukrainian drone strikes have hit oil hubs and tankers, while battlefield advances forced Moscow to scale back this month's Victory Day parade in Red Square.
Officials have warned of labour shortages, rising inflation, record 109 billion dollars in unpaid commercial bills and possible financial turmoil, with one veteran lawmaker invoking the risk of a 1917-style upheaval.
With its economy battered by drones, is Russia on the verge of the predicted banking crisis and social upheaval?
As Russia loses Starlink and territory, is Ukraine’s drone innovation fundamentally changing the future of warfare?
Russia’s 2026 Triple Crisis: Economic Collapse, Political Fractures, and War Fatigue
Overview
In early 2026, Russia's economy plunged into a deep recession driven by ongoing Western sanctions, severe labor shortages from military mobilization, and restrictive high interest rates. Key industries like Gazprom faced massive losses and depleted reserves, while commercial nonpayments and tax delinquencies soared, signaling widespread financial distress. This economic collapse fueled public frustration and war fatigue, reflected in declining approval ratings and growing despair amid strict internet censorship. Political tensions rose as elite figures warned of potential uprising, highlighting cracks in Putin's control. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine remained a costly stalemate, with Ukraine striking critical Russian infrastructure. International sanctions and energy disruptions further isolated Russia, creating a volatile mix of economic, social, and political crises that threaten the regime's stability and the country's future.