{"id":1458,"date":"2026-05-19T07:54:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:54:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jakony.com\/frontpage\/?p=1458"},"modified":"2026-05-19T07:54:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:54:09","slug":"kremlin-pollsters-record-spike-in-anti-government-sentiment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jakony.com\/frontpage\/video\/kremlin-pollsters-record-spike-in-anti-government-sentiment\/","title":{"rendered":"Kremlin Pollsters Record Spike in Anti Government Sentiment"},"content":{"rendered":"

(MOSCOW) \u2013<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Russian society is experiencing a marked increase in anxiety and dissatisfaction with the authorities, according to the latest polling data analysed by the Moscow newspaper\u00a0<\/span>Izvestia<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The editorial, titled “Anxiety in Society,” cites regular surveys conducted by the state affiliated Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) which have recorded a steady rise in public apprehension since mid April. On 19 April, 47 percent of respondents reported that their relatives, loved ones, friends and acquaintances were experiencing anxiety. For the first time in a significant period, the number of anxious citizens surpassed those who described the people around them as calm.<\/span><\/p>\n

That figure climbed sharply to 53 percent by 26 April. The first data published in May showed anxiety levels at 50 percent, indicating persistent and elevated public distress. To trace the source of this unease,\u00a0<\/span>Izvestia<\/span><\/em>\u00a0examined a separate FOM poll that asks citizens to identify the key events of the week. In the latest survey, 18 percent spoke about drone attacks. The responses carried clear undertones of fear, with citizens reporting they had to rush to collect children from school because drones were in the air, describing a constant state of anxiety, and citing incidents where drones struck and destroyed houses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The newspaper warns that the mood in society, particularly rising anxiety, should concern politicians. It argues that such sentiment can and even should affect the level of dissatisfaction with the authorities. A further FOM poll on this metric revealed that 31 percent of respondents had recently heard critical statements about the authorities from people around them. Since 20 March, this figure has not dropped below 30 percent, a threshold that was not breached throughout 2025. Additionally, 27 percent admitted they are personally outraged by or dissatisfied with the actions of the authorities, marking one of the highest readings of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

The polling data aligns with anecdotal evidence gathered on Russian streets. Citizens are expressing anxiety not only about the war, now in its fifth year, but also about mounting economic pressures and tightening internet restrictions. The Russian authorities themselves are clearly rattled by recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory. The newspaper\u00a0<\/span>Moskovsky Komsomolets<\/span><\/em>\u00a0claims that Ukrainian drones are utilising Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites and quotes a military expert urging Russia to deploy electronic warfare systems to jam the Starlink signals.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a striking departure from the fawning coverage of a year ago,\u00a0<\/span>Moskovsky Komsomolets<\/span><\/em>\u00a0also launched a stinging critique of Donald Trump. The paper described the US president as a man who loves cola and hamburgers, boasts he is the strongest and always wins even when he really loses, is convinced he is unique, gets easily carried away with new toys, and posts pictures of himself online in heroic poses. The article concluded that too much in the world depends on the United States, and when a major power is run by “a grandpa who doesn’t want to grow up, nothing good will come of it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the newspaper\u00a0<\/span>Kommersant<\/span><\/em>\u00a0reports that against the backdrop of growing confrontation with Europe, Russia and Belarus have announced another joint exercise on the use of nuclear weapons. A military pundit quoted by the paper suggests the nuclear drills are intended to send a signal to Ukraine and to the European Union and countries on NATO’s eastern flank.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a separate development, the Executive Committee of World Gymnastics has decided to allow Russian athletes to participate in international competitions in all age categories without any restrictions. They will compete under the national flag and with the national anthem. Restrictions on Belarusian athletes have also been lifted.<\/span><\/p>\n