Russia’s Putin faces domestic headwinds but grip on power is tight
President Vladimir Putin is experiencing declining approval ratings and increasing domestic challenges. Despite these issues, analysts believe that the situation is not critical enough to threaten his hold on power. The Russian economy is contracting, and the military has lost ground in Ukraine for the first time since 2023, yet widespread protests have not materialized.
- ▪Putin's approval rating in April fell to its lowest since 2022 amid internet outages and economic contraction.
- ▪For the first time since 2023, the Russian army lost more territory in Ukraine than it gained.
- ▪Despite discontent, major protests have not occurred due to government crackdowns and the use of virtual private networks.
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News analysisRussia’s Putin faces domestic headwinds but grip on power is tightSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPresident Vladimir Putin’s approval rating in April dipped to its lowest since 2022. PHOTO: EPAPublished May 22, 2026, 03:29 PMUpdated May 22, 2026, 03:29 PMSummarisePresident Putin’s approval ratings are falling amid internet outages angering Russians and a contracting economy.Russia’s army lost territory in Ukraine for the first time since 2023, failing its Donbas objectives.Analysts suggest mounting challenges and elite discontent are not yet critical enough to unseat Mr Putin.AI generatedWARSAW – More than four years into his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is facing mounting challenges.Internet outages designed to…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.