Russian Public Support for Ukraine War Hits New Low, Poll Shows
Growing calls for peace talks amid declining enthusiasm for prolonged conflict.
Support among Russians for continuing the war in Ukraine has plummeted to its lowest level since it began, according to a new sociological survey by the independent Levada Center in Moscow. Only 24% of respondents now favor pressing ahead with the military operation, a sharp drop that signals waning public appetite for the protracted conflict.
The findings, released this week, paint a picture of a war-weary populace in Russia increasingly open to dialogue. Conducted from February 18 to 25 among 1,625 Russian adults aged 18 and older via in-person home interviews, the poll highlights a stark generational and demographic divide.
Overall backing for Russian military actions in Ukraine remains relatively steady at 72%, with 17% expressing opposition. However, attention to the conflict has waned dramatically, dipping to a record low of 44% of respondents following events closely—a 15 percentage point decline since May 2025.
A majority—67%—now believe Moscow should enter peace negotiations, up 6 percentage points from the previous month and marking the highest level recorded for this metric. This surge in support for talks is particularly pronounced among younger Russians, women, rural residents, those with modest incomes or lower education levels, and individuals who disapprove of President Vladimir Putin.
The poll also revealed divided opinions on Russia’s recent strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. While 57% view these attacks as justified, a vocal minority disagrees. Supporters framed the strikes as “retaliatory measures—we didn’t start this,” aimed at “damaging the economy, halting military production, and weakening Ukraine’s war machine” to “bring the conflict to a close” or “compel Ukraine to negotiate.” They also emphasized the goal of “inflicting damage on the army, achieving victory, and meeting our objectives.”
In contrast, 20% deemed the strikes largely unacceptable, focusing on the humanitarian toll. Critics highlighted how “people are dying—civilians, ordinary citizens with no connection to the war,” and lamented that “hospitals, schools, and kindergartens are left without electricity and heat, causing immense suffering.” Many echoed a broader sentiment: “I’m against military action; war benefits no one—we need peace.”
These results come as the conflict enters its fifth year, with economic pressures and battlefield stalemates testing Russian resolve. Analysts suggest the data could pressure the Kremlin to recalibrate its strategy, though official rhetoric continues to emphasize resolve.
The Levada Center, known for its rigorous methodology despite operating in a challenging political environment, underscores the poll’s representativeness across Russia’s diverse regions. However, the real percentage of those opposing war in Russia could be greater that Levada poll results, because people in Putin’s totalitarian society tend to hide their true thoughts to avoid possible repressions.
As US and European calls for a ceasefire intensify, this snapshot of public opinion offers a rare glimpse into the sentiments shaping Russia’s internal debate over the war’s future.