Economic Hardships and Internal Control Complaints: “Feels Like North Korea, Envy China” – Self-deprecation
“Putin’s War Stubbornness Perceived as ‘Repeated Meaningless Self-Harm’ by the Elite”
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Oh Su-jin – Public opinion in Russia toward President Vladimir Putin, who continues the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, is reportedly worsening significantly.
As the economic hardships felt by the public continue and internal control is intensified, with Ukraine launching drone attacks across various parts of Russia threatening ordinary lives, the Russian belief that war and everyday life are separate is gradually crumbling.
The British newspaper The Guardian, on the 24th local time, interviewed close associates of Putin, business figures, and Western intelligence officials to assess that “though rumors of an imminent coup in Russia are somewhat exaggerated, it is undoubtedly the most challenging period during President Putin’s tenure.”
It is reported that the Russian elite feel the most disillusionment due to war failures and the slowdown in economic activities directly tied to daily life.
A business figure commented, “The atmosphere among the elite has definitely changed this year,” and expressed “deep disappointment in President Putin.”
He added, “No one thinks everything will suddenly collapse tomorrow,” but noted the growing awareness of “continued meaningless and self-destructive decisions.”
Even politicians who previously never defied President Putin are now voicing criticism against the war.
According to the Russian independent media Meduza on the 19th, State Duma (Lower House) member Renat Sulaimanov from the Russian opposition Communist Party recently stated in a local media interview that Russia cannot endure the protracted special military operation in Ukraine and asserted that “it should be ended as soon as possible.”
However, President Putin is resolute about not ending the Ukraine conflict in its current state.
His close associates mentioned that Putin aims to seize Ukraine’s Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk) by the year’s end and has no intention of stopping until it’s achieved.
Additionally, they explained that even though people might interpret Putin’s statement during the war victory day press conference on May 9 that the war is nearing its end as a preparation for peace negotiations, it should be understood as meaning a military breakthrough is imminent.
With Putin’s unwavering determination for victory and strengthened internal control, the Russian populace is increasingly fatigued.
The Guardian particularly analyzed that the decisive influence on public opinion was from the Russian authorities blocking messaging applications like Telegram on a large scale this year.
Stronger controls have led to cynical voices among the Russian elite.
A Kremlin insider remarked, “Everyone talks about internet access at dinner tables,” and noted that Russia now feels as close to North Korea as ever, envying China.
The growing discontent among the public is evident on multiple fronts.
The Russian state polling agency recently announced that the Russian happiness index hit its lowest point in 15 years last April. The Guardian noted that videos of Russian small business owners protesting tax hikes, residents complaining about internet blockages, and Siberian livestock farmers angry over mass culling are rapidly spreading on social media.
Although negative sentiment toward Putin is becoming clear, there is still debate about whether it poses a tangible threat to his government or who might challenge President Putin.
A Kremlin source emphasized, “There are grievances among the elite and uncertainties exist, but claims that it threatens governance are premature,” asserting that “President Putin still holds power firmly.”
A senior European intelligence official noted, “The Russian top tier is currently at a stage of recognizing there is a problem,” but added, “I have never heard them ask ‘So what should we do now?'”
kiki@yna.co.kr