As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, Russians are increasingly questioning the country’s leadership amid intensifying Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory and tighter domestic restrictions imposed by the Kremlin.

According to a report by Bloomberg, criticism of the political system created by Vladimir Putin is becoming more visible even among official circles, as Russia prepares for the annual May 9 Victory Day parade.

“There is a growing perception in Russia that the current system of governance is harmful and self-destructive,” said Tatyana Stanovaya. “Tolerance for the status quo is eroding.”

The report highlights criticism directed at Putin by Russian blogger Viktoria Bonya, whose comments reportedly generated nearly 86,000 responses online. Many users complained about worsening living conditions, business closures, the emigration of skilled professionals, and tightening restrictions on daily life.

“Attitudes toward Putin are changing. It is as if even the composition of the air has changed,” noted Alexander Baunov.

Journalists report that near-daily Ukrainian attacks, combined with high inflation and persistently elevated interest rates, are worsening public sentiment across Russia. Rising military casualties and the fading expectation of a quick end to the war have also contributed to growing pessimism.

Although Putin’s approval rating remains relatively high, official polling suggests support has fallen from 74% to 66% — the lowest level since the start of the war in February 2022.

Overall, only 55% of Russians now believe the country is moving in the right direction, also the lowest figure since the beginning of the conflict. By comparison, that number stood at 67% at the end of last year.

“The endless strain of a war with no visible conclusion, combined with tax pressure and deteriorating economic conditions, is driving rising pessimism,” said Denis Volkov.

Despite growing dissatisfaction, there are currently no clear signs that Putin’s hold on power is under immediate threat or that the Kremlin intends to halt the war in Ukraine.

Analysts expect Putin to deliver strong rhetoric during the May 9 parade. However, for the first time since 2007, Russia reportedly will not display heavy military equipment during the event, amid fears of possible Ukrainian attacks. Authorities have also begun restricting internet access in Moscow as part of heightened security measures.

The restrictions themselves have reportedly caused frustration among some officials, who are increasingly questioning the necessity of ongoing crackdowns by security services. The growing tensions come ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September, where the Kremlin is expected to intensify efforts to demonstrate public support for both Putin and the war effort.

Previously, the French newspaper Le Monde reported that declining approval ratings for Putin have become a source of concern within the Kremlin, particularly ahead of the upcoming elections.

The publication also drew attention to what it described as carefully staged public-relations moments aimed at reinforcing Putin’s popularity. One such scene, broadcast on April 27 in Saint Petersburg, showed the Russian president kissing a child.

“The kissing incident in Saint Petersburg suggests that Putin is worried about his declining popularity,” exiled Russian political analyst Farida Rustamova remarked sarcastically.