Putin's Popularity Plummets Amid War and Fuel Shortages, Lowest Russian Confidence Since Ukraine Invasion

The popularity of Russian President Vladimir Putin has plummeted, with recent polls indicating a significant drop in approval ratings. His work is now approved by only 66 percent of Russians, a decrease of five percentage points within a single week. This marks the lowest level of public confidence since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.

The sharp decline in Putin's approval is closely linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine and domestic issues such as gasoline shortages at filling stations. These factors appear to be eroding public support, suggesting growing discontent among the Russian population regarding the government's handling of both foreign and domestic crises.

This shift in public sentiment could have implications for the political landscape within Russia. As confidence wanes, the government may face increased challenges in maintaining social cohesion and public support for its policies, particularly concerning the protracted conflict and its economic consequences.