Gallup Poll Shows 60% of Russians See Economic Decline, Highest in 20 Years

A recent Gallup poll conducted between March and May 2026 reveals that 60% of Russians believe the economic situation in their city or region is worsening, marking the highest level recorded in 20 years. Previous peaks were 45% in 2020 and 50% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, 27% of respondents felt conditions had improved locally. Additionally, 56% of Russians reported a decline in their personal living standards, another two-decade high, while 29% said their living standards had improved.

The poll also highlighted a sharp shift in perceptions of the labor market, with 58% stating it is a bad time to find a job, compared to 35% who thought it was a good time. This contrasts with the previous year’s figures of 46% and 49%, respectively. Trust in key institutions has also fallen to record lows: confidence in the armed forces dropped from 79% to 66%, trust in the government declined from 67% to 53%, and belief in election fairness fell from 56% to 40%. Positive views on press freedom plummeted from 59% to 34% over the same period.

Despite these negative perceptions, Russia’s unemployment rate remains low, primarily due to labor shortages linked to the ongoing war and mass conscription, rather than economic strength. The poll underscores growing public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and institutional trust in Russia amid ongoing challenges.