Levada Center Polls Show Russian Population Still Backing Putin

Latest opinion polling from the Levada Center research institute (one of the more reliable pollsters in Russia) shows public support for President Vladimir Putin remaining broadly strong, with little sign that there is any significant opposition to his continued rule or to the invasion of Ukraine. According to the poll, four in five respondents approve of Putin, while he remains the most trusted politician in the country by a sizeable margin.

• President Putin Approval Rating: Approve: 82% (+1), Disapprove: 16% (-1). +/- vs. 15 - 21 December 2022. Fieldwork: 26 - 31 January 2023. Sample size: 1,616
• Trust in Politicians: Pres. Putin: 43% (-1), PM Mishustin: 17% (-1), Foreign Min Lavrov: 15%, Defence Minister Shoigu: 12% (-1), No Trust in Politicians: 18% (+2). +/- vs. 15 - 21 Dec. '22. Fieldwork: 26 - 31 Jan. '23. Sample size: 1,616
• Despite the economic hit to Russian households as a result of the war, there appears little prospect of a grassroots opposition movement developing in the short term. The main risk point for Putin could be if he is forced to announce another mobilisation in order to boost the number of troops on the frontline in Ukraine.
• The first mobilisation of those who had carried out some form of military training saw minor protests in several Russian cities. A broader call up of the male population that has had no military training could result in a more sizeable backlash.