Support for Putin decreasing – even in state-run polls

The Kremlin is known for controlling the news and data emerging from Russia, but recent polling data points to a subtle yet steady shift in Russian public sentiment, with official figures showing a continued drop in support.

The big twist? The numbers are from a state-run opinion center.

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) reported on April 24 that President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating fell for the seventh consecutive week. According to its survey, support slipped from 66.7 percent in early April to 65.6 percent for April 13–19.

Trust levels also edged down, with VTsIOM recording a decrease from 72 percent to 71 percent over the same period.

At the same time, a source cited by Meduza said the Kremlin’s political bloc advised state media to highlight more favorable figures from another pollster or avoid reporting such data altogether.

Conflicting figures

Polling by the Kremlin-linked Public Opinion Forum (FOM) paints a more positive picture. Its latest data shows Putin’s approval rating at roughly 76 percent in mid-April, nearly ten points higher than VTsIOM’s findings.

However, FOM data also indicates a downward trend over recent months. Approval ratings have fallen from 78–80 percent in February to around 75–76 percent by late April.

This suggests that despite differing methodologies or messaging, both state-affiliated pollsters reflect a gradual erosion in support.

What does it mean?

Analysts from the ISW note that Russian authorities likely retain influence over state polling institutions. Even so, the acknowledgment of declining approval may indicate rising domestic dissatisfaction after more than four years of war.

Independent pollster Levada Center reported Putin’s approval rating at 80 percent in March 2026, down two points from February and at its lowest level since late 2022.

Levada’s data shows a longer-term drop from levels above 85 percent in late 2025, coinciding with increasing wartime pressures and government restrictions on information.

Some observers suggest internal Kremlin disagreements over censorship policies could be contributing to the release of less favorable polling data.

Sources: Meduza, VTsIOM, FOM, Levada Center, Institute for the Study of War

This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation