Russians are currently more pessimistic about the state of their economy than at any time in the past 20 years, with a majority reporting that living standards are worsening, according to a Gallup survey published on June 30, 2026.

However, Konstantin Sonin, John Dewey Distinguished Service Professor at the Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago, stated that this widespread pessimism does not represent a tipping point for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sonin remarked, "Putin doesn't care much about the quality of living of Russians."

This assessment suggests that despite the economic concerns expressed by many Russians, the political implications for Putin's leadership remain limited.

Sources