Tuesday briefing: With unease at home spreading, what next for Russia’s isolated leader?
Vladimir Putin's approval ratings are declining as discontent grows within Russian society. The ongoing war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, has not yielded the quick victory he anticipated, leading to a strained relationship with the public and elites. Economic challenges are exacerbating the situation, with signs of recession and rising inflation affecting ordinary citizens.
- ▪Putin's approval rating has slipped from a high of 83% after the invasion of Ukraine to levels seen before the conflict.
- ▪The Russian economy is struggling, with growth projected at only 0.4% and signs of a potential recession.
- ▪Discontent is manifesting online, with pro-Putin bloggers beginning to voice concerns about various issues in the country.
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Vladimir Putin at the annual Victory Day event in Moscow on 9 May. Photograph: Pavel Bednyakov/EPAView image in fullscreenVladimir Putin at the annual Victory Day event in Moscow on 9 May. Photograph: Pavel Bednyakov/EPAFirst Edition newsletterRussiaTuesday briefing: With unease at home spreading, what next for Russia’s isolated leader?In today’s newsletter: Our Russian affairs reporter on Vladimir Putin’s slipping approval and singular goal – as discontent ripples from wider society to the reachers of the KremlinMartin BelamTue 26 May 2026 01.47 EDTLast modified on Tue 26 May 2026 01.48 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleGood morning. There is little doubt that when Vladimir Putin ordered his invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he did not expect his troops to still be embroiled there in 2026.
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