Is Putin's Wartime Regime Wavering? Public Discontent Grows Amid Fuel Shortages and Drone Fears

Reports suggest that public sentiment toward Russian President Vladimir Putin is wavering as Ukrainian drone strikes reach deep into Russian territory, compounded by fuel shortages and internet outages.

President Putin, who has strategically maintained distance from the ruling party, has taken political action by directly supporting the party for the first time in about 20 years amid worsening public opinion.

The Financial Times (FT) reported on June 30 (local time) that as the impact of the war on the daily lives of Russians grows, President Putin is making an unusual move to directly support the ruling United Russia party ahead of the general elections in September.

The FT noted that it has been about 20 years since United Russia campaigned by putting Putin at the forefront, such as by defining itself as the party of the president.

Until now, President Putin has been seen as intentionally separating himself from the party, a political strategy widely interpreted as a way to ensure that public dissatisfaction is directed at the ruling party rather than the president himself.

However, with the war dragging on and the ruling party's approval rating stuck in the mid-30 percent range ahead of the September general elections, analysts suggest that President Putin has shifted his strategy to emphasize his close ties with the ruling party.

The FT explained that this change is rooted in the deterioration of public sentiment due to the prolonged war.

Recently, Ukraine has expanded its long-range drone attacks to Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Across Russia, internet access restrictions and fuel rationing have become commonplace, increasing public inconvenience and anxiety.

"War fatigue has turned into anger that does not lead to action," said Andrei Kolesnikov, a political analyst in Moscow. "Because there is nothing they can do."

He added, "People are just enduring it on their own, whether it is internet restrictions or fuel shortages."

President Putin recently made the rare admission that Ukrainian drone attacks have caused problems for Russia.

However, President Putin still shows a firm determination not to end the war in Ukraine as it is.

The FT assessed that while President Putin attempted to appear as though he was listening to public concerns, it was insufficient to mask his obsession with the invasion and his intention to end the war only on terms that Ukraine cannot accept.

Some analysts also suggest that strengthening ties with United Russia will deepen President Putin's isolation.

In a survey released last week by the pro-Kremlin polling agency FOM, President Putin's trust rating was recorded at 69 percent.

This is the lowest level since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.

The survey was conducted immediately after Ukraine carried out its largest drone attack against Moscow.

Ivan Filippov, an author who studies hawkish Russian bloggers, criticized the move, saying, "The front line has become a war of attrition, people are lining up to buy gasoline, and drones are attacking oil refineries and military factories every day." He added, "In this situation, putting Putin forward as the face of the most unpopular party is a decision that can only be made by someone out of touch with reality."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.