Growing war fatigue reported among Russian public in July 2026

A survey conducted by the independent Levada Center in July 2026 suggests that war fatigue is becoming increasingly evident within Russian society for the first time since April 2022. The study, which interviewed 1,600 respondents, indicates a shift in public sentiment as optimism regarding the future declines and the population faces mounting daily challenges.

Key statistics reveal a notable erosion of support for the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. Only one in two Russians now perceives the military operation as successful, marking a 19% decrease over the past year. Furthermore, approval ratings for President Vladimir Putin have fallen by 12 percentage points to 74%, the lowest level recorded since the early months of the invasion. Support for the armed forces is also showing signs of decline.

Denis Volkov, director of the Levada Center, notes that this shift is driven by pragmatic concerns rather than an sudden moral awakening. While the regime of Vladimir Putin does not face an immediate threat of collapse, the changing social atmosphere reflects a growing pessimism among citizens regarding the long-term prospects of the conflict.