Gallup poll shows record pessimism among Russians over economy
A Gallup poll conducted in early 2026 found that 60% of Russians say economic conditions in their city or region are deteriorating, the highest share in the survey’s 20‑year history. Additional surveys indicate widespread financial strain and declining confidence in state institutions.
A Gallup poll released in 2026 showed that a majority of Russians expressed pessimism about economic conditions, with 60% reporting that the situation in their city or region was deteriorating – the highest share recorded in the survey’s 20‑year history.
The poll, conducted between March and May 2026, recorded the 60% figure (Meduza). Earlier peaks in the poll were 45% in 2020 and 50% in 2021 (Meduza). The same Gallup data indicated simultaneous declines in perceptions of the economy, trust in key state institutions, confidence in the military, faith in elections, and perceptions of media freedom (France24).
A separate survey by Anderida Financial Group of nearly 2,000 Russians found that 47% of respondents said their financial situation had declined over the past year (2025), while 40% reported unchanged earnings and 13% noted an increase (UkraineToday.org). The survey also reported that 75% of respondents frequently lack the funds to meet their current needs (UkraineToday.org).
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0 contested (attributed to both sides), 7
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