NextFin News - A new poll conducted by the Russian Levada Center from December 11 to 19, 2025, encompassing 1,618 respondents across 50 Russian regions, reveals a stark shift in domestic attitudes toward the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the survey results published on December 24, only 25% of Russians now support continuing the war, marking the lowest level of pro-war sentiment since the beginning of the large-scale invasion in early 2022. Concurrently, 66% of respondents express support for transitioning to peaceful negotiations.
The survey also highlights demographic and informational divides: those favoring war continuation tend to trust Russian state television and approve of Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies, whereas those supporting peace are more often younger than 40, female, rural dwellers, and consumers of social media as their primary information source. Additionally, 80% of respondents who believe the country is moving in the wrong direction, or disapprove of Putin’s presidency, favored peace negotiations. The split underscores deepening societal polarization in Russia amid the prolonged conflict.
Scholars and analysts such as Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, observe that a narrow hardliner faction remains around Putin, consisting of individuals who insist on continuing the war, many of whom may be financially benefiting from the conflict. This group contrasts with the broader Russian populace’s growing inclination toward peace talks.
The decline in war support corresponds with other socio-political developments within Russia, including rising economic strain manifested in increased household debt and growing public dissatisfaction. Support for Russian military operations in Ukraine remains relatively high at 73% but has been steadily declining in recent months, while disapproval of military actions has increased to 18%.
This survey’s timing aligns with ongoing peace initiatives, including efforts by the U.S. and other international actors to broker negotiations, although a majority of Russians (51%) remain skeptical about U.S. mediation success. The data thus highlight contrasting expectations regarding the conflict’s resolution both inside Russia and internationally.
These findings suggest a pivotal moment in Russia’s domestic narrative on the Ukraine conflict. Public fatigue, economic hardships, and evolving political attitudes appear to be driving a transition toward increased public demand for peace. Given that younger and less traditional information consumers are leading this shift, the trend may accelerate, potentially influencing policymaking under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and broader geopolitical strategies.
Looking forward, continued erosion of war support may pose risks to Putin’s regime stability, especially if economic conditions worsen or military setbacks persist. The emergence of a divided public opinion also complicates Kremlin messaging and could lead to increased repression or concessions depending on internal power dynamics. With 66% favoring negotiations, and only a quarter backing continued conflict, there is a growing foundation for diplomatic engagement, although radical hardliner resistance remains a significant challenge.
In conclusion, the Levda Center poll provides a critical lens into Russia’s internal political and social landscape regarding the Ukraine war. The historic drop in support for continued military action coupled with a strong majority favoring peace talks indicates shifting public priorities. This dynamic will likely influence regional security calculations, peace process possibilities, and global geopolitical stability in the coming years under U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership and evolving international diplomacy.
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