Putin's dwindling support signals growing war fatigue, experts warn

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval in state polls has fallen from as high as 89% before the Ukraine invasion to about 65% in the latest VTСIOM survey, with another Kremlin-linked poll showing a drop from 71% to 66% in July. Experts say the decline reflects rising public frustration with the war, and while the Kremlin may be signaling a cautious approach, the regime still maintains control and broad unrest appears unlikely. Regional variations in trust suggest officials could be using poll data to calibrate next moves as Ukraine’s counterattacks continue.