Recent polling data from Russia's official state pollster reveals a notable drop in President Vladimir Putin's approval ratings, hitting the lowest levels seen since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. For a long time, public support for Putin remained strong, consistently above 70 percent despite the impact of international economic sanctions. However, current analysis suggests that this backing is now diminishing, indicating growing domestic challenges for the Kremlin.
Experts Jenny Mathers and Ekaterina Schulmann contribute insights on whether the previously observed rally-around-the-flag effect, which boosted Putin's popularity during the conflict, is fading. The discussion highlights the increasing internal pressures faced by Russian leadership as public opinion shifts amid ongoing military and political developments. This change in sentiment could have significant implications for the Kremlin's ability to maintain control over the national narrative during the war.