Full Breakdown
Putin’s Approval Rating Falls to 65.6 %, Lowest Since Pre-War Period
4/24/2026, 10:26:23 PM
Core Event: Decline in Approval Rating
State pollster VTsIOM reported on 24 April that President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating slipped to 65.6 %, marking a seventh consecutive weekly decline and the lowest level recorded since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Background & Context: Putin’s Tenure and War-Era Popularity
Vladimir Putin has led Russia since 1999, first as president, then as prime minister, and again as president after being appointed acting head by Boris Yeltsin in 1999. A former KGB lieutenant colonel who served in East Germany, he is on track to become Russia’s longest-serving ruler since Empress Catherine the Great if he completes his current six-year term. During the early months of the Ukraine war, his approval surged to just below 80 % and remained above 75 % for most of the conflict, with only brief dips after the 2022 mobilisation announcement.
Data & Statistics: Poll Figures and Comparative Ratings
VTsIOM’s April poll shows Putin’s approval at 65.6 %, down from 73.3 % in March. Trust in the president fell to 71 % from a previous high above 77 %. In the same survey, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s trust rating dropped to 53.8 %, former president Dmitry Medvedev’s rose to 36.8 %, Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov’s increased to 32.7 %, and Just Russia head Sergei Mironov’s climbed to 29.8 %.
Official Statements & Responses: Economic Push and Internet-Outage Justification
In response to a contraction in Russia’s economy during the first two months of the year, Putin instructed senior officials to devise measures to revive growth. He also defended recent internet outages, stating they were required for security reasons and urging law-enforcement agencies to demonstrate ingenuity in maintaining essential services.
Criticism & Opposition: Questions Over Poll Reliability
Supporters cite VTsIOM data as evidence of continued broad approval, while opponents argue that respondents may not answer truthfully in a tightly controlled polling environment. Critics contend that the decline may reflect genuine public unease about economic stagnation and security measures, though no official explanation has been offered.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Unclear Drivers of the Decline
VTsIOM did not specify the factors behind the rating drop, and analysts note that the poll’s methodology and the degree of respondent candor remain uncertain. The report highlighted the lack of a clear causal link between recent policy actions and the observed dip.
Verbatim Quotes
"the internet outages were necessary for security reasons, but that law enforcement officials must show \"ingenuity\" to find solutions and guarantee the functioning of vital services." — Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
What’s Next: Outlook for Future Polling and Governance
VTsIOM will continue monthly surveys, which may clarify whether the current dip is temporary or signals a longer-term shift in public sentiment. Observers will watch for further economic initiatives and security policies as potential factors influencing future approval metrics.
