Public support for Russian President Vladimir Putin is weakening.
Medianews.az reports that according to the results of a survey conducted by one of the largest state sociological institutions studying public opinion in the country, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, between April 6-12 this year, the approval rating of Putin's activities is 66.7%. The trust indicator for Putin is 72%.
These are the weakest indicators since the full-scale war against Ukraine began on February 24, 2022.
Only a few days before the war were weaker indicators recorded. According to the results announced by the Public Opinion Research Center on February 20, 2022, Putin's approval rating was 64.3%, and his trust rating was 67.2%.
Experts explain the recent decline in Putin's ratings with several factors. One of them is the restrictions imposed on the Telegram platform and frequent mobile internet outages. According to experts, this has clearly increased public dissatisfaction.
Recall that in March 2026, access to the internet and digital services was tightened in Russia; at the beginning of March, residents of the capital Moscow made mass complaints about problems with mobile communication and the internet. In mid-March, thousands of appeals were recorded concerning malfunctions on the Telegram channel.
Another factor weakening Putin's rating is economic problems. According to data, the majority of entrepreneurs have given a negative assessment of the first quarter of 2026. It is said that about one-third of small business representatives want to cease their activities or sell their business. Among the problems worrying entrepreneurs, an increase in the tax burden holds a primary place. From January 1, 2026, the base rate of value-added tax (VAT) in Russia was raised from 20% to 22%, which turned into additional pressure on the business environment.
Vladimir Putin was born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg). He received his secondary education in Leningrad: eight years at school No. 193, two years at chemistry-oriented school No. 281. He graduated from the law faculty of Leningrad State University, and also studied at the Higher School of the USSR State Security Committee and the Foreign Intelligence Academy in Moscow.
Between 1975 and 1990, he worked in security agencies. Five years of service (1985-1990) were carried out as a foreign intelligence resident in the German Democratic Republic.
Since 1990, Putin initially held the positions of assistant for international affairs to the rector of Leningrad State University and then advisor to the chairman of the Leningrad City Soviet. Since 1991, he worked at the Saint Petersburg mayor's office, and since 1994 he was the first deputy chairman of the government of Saint Petersburg.
From 1996, Putin worked in Russia's highest authorities, serving as deputy chief of the presidential administration, first deputy head of the presidential administration, director of the Federal Security Service (and simultaneously secretary of the Security Council).
On August 16, 1999, he was appointed prime minister. Since December 31, 1999, he also acted as president. He was elected president in 2000 and 2004. From May 2008, he served as prime minister. He was elected president again in 2012, 2018, and 2024.
Putin married in 1983 and divorced in 2013. He has two daughters and grandchildren.