fewer Russians Believe the Country is Moving in the Right Direction
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Every month, the Russian autonomous polling agency Levada asks Russians several questions, including whether they think the country is generally moving in the right direction.
in March this year meant 74 percent that the country was in a positive growth. Since then, the number has been slowly but surely decreasing. Now just answer 65 percent the same.
Those Russians who now think the country is moving in the wrong direction justify this with “rising prices“, “low pensions and wages”, that “the war is dragging on” and that “our men are dying”, reports Russian Levada.
The salaries are not enough
Chief researcher at the Norwegian Defense Research Institute (FFI) Kristian Åtland has followed Russia closely for more than 30 years. He tells Nettavisen that the figures seem to be an expression of growing frustration that the war in Ukraine is not ending.
- The economic and human costs of the war are felt to a greater extent than before. Russia’s defense spending seizes an increasingly large part of society’s resources, and this in turn spills over into other sectors and societal tasks, says Åtland.
The population’s trust in Foreign Minister Sergej Lavrov is also on the decline, notes Åtland.
BELOW: Sergej Lavrov (orange line) has been Russia’s leading figure in the peace negotiations. the opinion polls indicate a decreasing level of trust in Lavrov among the Russian population. Photo: Levada.ru## Lavrov Dismisses Trump’s Wishes, Accuses Ukraine of Nuclear Threat
Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey lavrov, says in a new interview that it is not relevant to fulfill Donald Trump’s wish. Simultaneously occurring, he accuses Ukraine of being a nuclear threat.
Putin’s popularity is also on the decline. In an authoritarian country like Russia, it is indeed not certain that everyone dares to express their honest opinion when contacted by a polling agency, but when asked if Putin is doing a good job, 84 percent now answer yes. It is down three percentage points since September this year.
## – The average Russian is apathetic
– How far are you from a popular uprising?
– Today there is little indication that a popular uprising against the Putin regime is imminent. The average Russian is far too apathetic for that.Many seem to prioritize personal survival over political involvement, Åtland replies.
Women pose for a selfie in front of a Christmas tree at the Christmas fair opened at Manezhnaya square near Red square in Moscow, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
Internet Users Most Critical
Levada’s background figures show that there is still a divide between those who trust television as a source of data, and those who prefer to turn to social media and Russian military bloggers on Telegram. TV viewers are far more positive about the Russian authorities and the country’s development.
Russian TV functions to a large extent as a mouthpiece for the authorities, and what is conveyed there naturally has an effect on the population’s attitude towards those in power. Most national television channels are owned directly by the state or by companies with close ties to the Kremlin, giving the government control over both news coverage and entertainment content.As a TV viewer, you are exposed to massive propaganda from morning to night, says Åtland, and adds:
Choice worldviews and regime criticism are rarely or never expressed in the broadcast media. Journalists who challenge the official line risk losing their jobs or being prosecuted, and in the worst case, killed. Access to information is perhaps better…
EVERYDAY LIFE: Moscow’s residents are, on average, among the wealthiest Russians. Photo: Pavel Bednyakov (AP Photo)
Dagestan’s Economic disparities and Overrepresentation in Ukraine Conflict
Recent reports indicate a disproportionate number of soldiers from russia’s Dagestan region are fighting and dying in the conflict in Ukraine, a trend linked to the region’s economic struggles and limited opportunities. While larger cities in Dagestan experience relative development, rural areas face meaningful economic hardship, contributing to a cycle of limited prospects and increased vulnerability to military recruitment.
Economic Conditions in Dagestan
Images from Dagestan, such as those from Google Street View dating back to April 2021, https://g.acdn.no/obscura/API/dynamic/r1/ece5/tr_600_1200_s_f/0000/nett/2025/11/3/15/dagestan%2Bstreet%2Bview.jpg?chk=638EB1, suggest a region grappling with economic difficulties even before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These difficulties are particularly acute in rural areas.
According to Kristian Åtland, a chief researcher at the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI), infrastructure is considerably more developed in Dagestan’s larger cities. This development translates to a higher standard of living,including better housing,shopping centers,educational institutions,cultural and entertainment options,and healthcare services.
“Somthing that makes everyday life easier and more comfortable,” Åtland explains. “Those who live in the big cities generally have more opportunities, and they have largely been spared from having to do military service in Ukraine.”
Disproportionate Impact of the Ukraine conflict
Åtland notes a consistent pattern: those fighting and dying on the battlefield in Ukraine are disproportionately from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and non-Russian ethnic groups. This includes young men from impoverished regions like Dagestan, and also Siberia and the Far East.
This pattern suggests that economic hardship and limited opportunities can increase vulnerability to military recruitment, particularly in regions with existing social and economic inequalities. The promise of a stable income and potential benefits may be particularly appealing to individuals facing limited prospects at home.
Broader Context: Russia’s Military Recruitment
Russia has faced challenges in recruiting soldiers for the war in Ukraine,leading to a shift towards recruiting from marginalized communities. Reports indicate that the Russian military has actively targeted economically disadvantaged regions and ethnic minorities. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-military-recruitment-targets-poor-regions-ethnic-minorities-sources-2023-09-15/ This strategy exploits existing vulnerabilities and exacerbates existing inequalities.
Implications and Future Outlook
The overrepresentation of individuals from regions like Dagestan in the Ukraine conflict highlights the social and economic costs of the war, both for Russia and for the affected regions. Addressing these underlying inequalities will be crucial for long-term stability and preventing further exploitation of vulnerable populations.
The situation in Dagestan underscores the need for targeted economic development initiatives and improved social safety nets to provide opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their geographic location or ethnic background. Without such efforts, the region risks further marginalization and continued vulnerability to external pressures.