Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings have plunged to their lowest level since 2018, according to data from The Moscow Times. The Russian public’s confidence in the Kremlin leader has been eroded by a severe domestic fuel crisis and growing economic instability. Between June 22 and 28, Putin’s approval ratings dropped by 3.5%, marking the sharpest weekly decline since the 2018 pension reform announcement.
Analysts note that this decline is particularly significant because it exceeds the negative impact of previous controversial events, such as the 2022 mobilization. Current data indicates that only 66.9% of Russians approve of Putin’s actions, a drop of more than 12% from the peak levels observed in May 2025. What is striking is that the public is specifically blaming Putin for the worsening conditions rather than the broader government apparatus, suggesting a potential shift in the perception of his centralized authority.
The fuel crisis is a symptom of a deeper structural decay within the Russian economy, exacerbated by sanctions and the massive diversion of resources toward the war in Ukraine. As Moscow struggles to maintain its energy sector functionality, the regime’s ability to provide basic stability is increasingly called into question. Despite attempts to manipulate polling data or suppress negative sentiment, the reality of shortages and inflation is penetrating the propaganda firewall.
This erosion of political capital coincides with a period of heightened uncertainty. As the Russian leadership faces pressure on multiple fronts—both military and economic—the sustainability of the current status quo becomes increasingly precarious. The Kremlin has historically relied on the image of the “strong leader” to maintain control, but as domestic issues mount, the effectiveness of this narrative is rapidly diminishing. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the Russian political system can withstand the cumulative pressure of economic failure and social discontent, or if the current downward trend in leadership approval signals a deeper, long-term instability for the regime.