Russians Voice Growing Discontent With Putin Regime: "Feels Like North Korea, Envy China"

Growing Discontent Over Prolonged War and Tax Hikes
Atmosphere of 'Disappointment' Rapidly Shifts Among the Elite

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, there are growing observations that public opinion in Russia toward President Vladimir Putin is worsening.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

On the 24th (local time), the Guardian reported, based on interviews with Putin's close associates, business figures, and Western intelligence officials, that "although claims of an imminent coup in Russia are somewhat exaggerated, there is no doubt that this is the most difficult period during President Putin's rule."

It is reported that the group most disillusioned by the lack of progress in the Ukraine war and the slowdown in economic activity is the Russian elite. A source from the business community stated, "This year, the atmosphere among the elite has definitely changed," adding, "There is a deep sense of disappointment in President Putin." The source emphasized that "no one believes everything will suddenly collapse tomorrow," but also noted, "There is a growing perception that meaningless and self-destructive decisions continue to be made."

Even politicians who have rarely opposed President Putin are now voicing criticism. On the 19th, independent Russian media outlet Meduza reported that Renat Suleymanov, a member of the State Duma (the lower house, Communist Party), argued that Russia cannot endure a prolonged special military operation in Ukraine and insisted that "it should be ended as soon as possible."

However, President Putin remains determined not to end the war in Ukraine at this point. Russian citizens are becoming increasingly weary of his persistent resolve for war and the strengthening of internal controls in pursuit of victory. The Guardian analyzed that "the Russian authorities' move this year to block a large number of messaging apps, including Telegram, has had a decisive impact on public opinion."

An official from the Kremlin said, "At dinner, everyone talks about internet access," adding, "Russia is now close to the level of North Korea, and China is an object of envy."

The Guardian also mentioned that videos of Russian small business owners protesting tax hikes on social media, residents expressing dissatisfaction with internet restrictions, and Siberian livestock farmers outraged by large-scale culling are spreading. This is because internet restrictions, tax increases, inflation, and rising food and utility prices have all combined to fuel discontent among ordinary citizens. Russia's state-run polling agency recently announced that the nation's happiness index fell to its lowest level in 15 years last April.

However, it remains uncertain whether this discontent will pose an existential threat to President Putin's rule. A Kremlin official stated, "There is discontent among the elite and uncertainty exists, but claims that this threatens his rule are premature," adding, "President Putin still firmly holds power."

A senior European intelligence official observed, "The highest echelons in Russia are at the stage of merely recognizing that there are problems," but also remarked, "I have never heard anyone ask, 'So, what should we do?'" Even so, if a genuine threat to the Putin regime emerges, it is likely to come from within the ruling elite, rather than from the public.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.