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Weary Russia: Growing number of Russians favor talks, not war, poll suggests
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Conflict & Security

Weary Russia: Growing number of Russians favor talks, not war, poll suggests

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Documents & data Context piece
  • A recent survey by Russia's Levada Center indicates a significant shift in public opinion, with 60% of Russians favoring peace talks over continuing the war.
  • Support for negotiations is particularly strong among younger demographics (78% of 18-24 year olds) and rural residents, while Moscow shows higher support for continuing the conflict.
  • Despite strong state propaganda and repression, the poll suggests a growing weariness with the war, indicating that public sentiment, even in an authoritarian state, can be politically significant.

Russians are increasingly weary of the ongoing conflict, with a significant majority now favoring peace negotiations over continued military action, according to a recent poll. Data from the Levada Center, Russia's sole independent sociological research organization, reveals a notable shift in public mood, suggesting that even within a heavily censored and repressed environment, societal attitudes are evolving.

How do you think, should military actions be continued now, or should peace talks be started?

— Levada Center Survey QuestionThis was the question posed to respondents in a May 2026 Levada Center poll regarding the continuation of military actions versus starting peace talks.

The survey found that 60% of respondents believe peace talks should begin now, while only 30% support continuing the war. This marks a substantial increase in support for negotiations, with proponents now outnumbering those who wish to continue the fighting by a two-to-one margin. The desire for peace is especially pronounced among younger Russians aged 18 to 24, with 78% advocating for a peaceful resolution, indicating a growing detachment from imperial and militaristic narratives among the younger generation.

Interestingly, even among older respondents (over 55), a majority now favor negotiations. Rural residents also appear to be more peace-inclined than often perceived in the West. Conversely, Moscow stands out, with 53% of its residents supporting the continuation of the war compared to 36% favoring talks. This paradox suggests that those least affected by the war's consequences are more likely to support its continuation.

Even among older than 55 years old respondents, there are already more supporters of negotiations than supporters of war.

— AuthorThe author highlights demographic trends in the Levada Center poll, noting a shift towards peace even among older Russians.

While the poll does not signal an imminent democratic shift or a rejection of President Vladimir Putin, it underscores the political significance of public sentiment, even in an authoritarian state. The author notes that while Putin is not beholden to public opinion, the Kremlin closely monitors societal moods and assesses risks. The growing desire for an end to the conflict, as reflected in the Levada Center's findings, represents a crucial indicator of the war's toll on Russian society.

Paradoxically, it is precisely those who feel the consequences of the war the least who most often support its continuation.

— AuthorThe author points out the contrast between Moscow's support for continuing the war and the general trend towards peace negotiations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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