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Russian Public Sentiment Shifts Toward Resignation and Pessimism as War Costs Mount

Russian citizens are increasingly expressing a sense of resignation and pessimism regarding the nation's future as the full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to exert economic and psychological pressure. A recent survey by the VTsIOM agency indicates that 66% of Russians believe difficult times lie ahead, a level of anxiety comparable to the period just before the collapse of the Soviet Union. This sentiment is driven by persistent Ukrainian drone strikes targeting critical infrastructure, such as oil refineries and the Wildberries retail chain, which have disrupted supply chains and lowered the national Happiness Index. While 70% of support for Russian forces remains high, a significant majority of the public now desires peace negotiations. The political landscape is also shifting, as evidenced by the Supreme Court's decision to bar the liberal Yabloko party from the elections, a move that highlights the growing importance of anti-war sentiments. Experts suggest that while the state maintains control through propaganda and increasing repressions, many citizens are retreating into 'internal emigration,' adopting a more cautious and defensive life planning to navigate the current tense atmosphere.

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