According to polling data from two major Russian state-linked survey organizations, President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating has experienced its fastest weekly decline since late 2022. This drop, attributed in part to a growing fuel crisis and deteriorating economic sentiment, has seen the share of Russians approving of his performance fall significantly, with disapproval reaching its highest point since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Public trust in Putin and support for the Russian government have also weakened, marking the most unfavorable levels recorded since the start of the war.
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The news paints a stark and somber picture of the situation unfolding for ordinary Russians, particularly pensioners, as a severe fuel shortage grips the nation. Reports indicate that the long queues forming at petrol stations, a consequence of Ukraine’s increasingly effective strikes on Russian oil facilities, have tragically led to the deaths of elderly individuals. These incidents highlight the direct, human cost of the ongoing conflict, extending far beyond the battlefield and into the daily lives of citizens.
The core of the problem stems from significant disruptions to Russia’s oil refining capabilities. These strikes, targeting all of the country’s major refineries, have reportedly driven oil refining volumes to a two-decade low.… Continue reading
State fuel tenders across Russia are collapsing as suppliers find fixed-price contracts unprofitable due to rising gasoline prices. This has led to vital institutions like hospitals, fire brigades, and municipal services struggling to secure fuel, with tender cancellations tripling compared to last year. The supply tightness is a direct consequence of Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, which have significantly reduced refining capacity and constrained domestic fuel supplies. Consequently, public institutions are increasingly forced to accept less competitive bids or even sign with single suppliers, impacting the operational capabilities of essential services.
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Gasoline has vanished from all public filling stations in Novorossiysk, with only diesel remaining, highlighting deepening fuel shortages across Russia. This scarcity is impacting daily life, with public transport reducing air conditioning, taxi fares increasing, and fewer vehicles on the road. While the general public faces these restrictions, motorists with corporate fuel cards and priority access for government officials and state employees persist in some regions, suggesting a deliberate redirection of limited resources. These fuel issues coincide with Ukraine’s sustained efforts to disrupt Russian logistics, leading to a significant reduction in Russia’s oil refining capacity and gasoline production.
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Despite significant global energy market volatility and the escalating costs of the war in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted on June 23 that Russia’s macroeconomic stability is “absolutely secured.” This claim comes amidst mounting evidence of fiscal pressure, including a substantial federal revenue shortfall and a widening deficit, exacerbated by surging wartime spending and falling crude prices. While Peskov acknowledged global energy price swings affect the Russian economy, he maintained that the country is diversifying away from raw resources, with non-oil and gas revenues showing growth. However, inflation remains a concern, compounded by disruptions to fuel supplies.
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A Russian Communist Party lawmaker has warned that Russia is “on the brink of a social explosion,” citing pervasive corruption and economic decline exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Vyacheslav Markhaev highlighted heavy wartime losses, particularly among the younger population, alongside escalating corruption scandals and ineffective leadership, contributing to a growing sense of instability. He further criticized the deteriorating infrastructure and widening inequality, arguing that the authorities have become disconnected from the needs of the populace and are, in essence, acting as an internal aggressor. Failure to present a clear plan for ending the conflict, he warned, will only intensify these internal problems.
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A Russian harvester manufacturer has recently suspended production, a stark indicator of the crippling economic effects of the ongoing war in Ukraine. This isn’t simply a case of decreased demand; it’s a symptom of a much deeper, more systemic crisis unfolding within the Russian economy.
The core issue lies in the Russian government’s prioritization of the war effort. Massive resources – both financial and human – are being funneled into the military, leaving other sectors starved of essential support. This has led to a bidding war for the remaining workforce, with military and arms manufacturing jobs offering significantly higher wages to attract and retain employees.… Continue reading
In 2024, Russia faced a record labor shortage of 2.6 million employees, primarily impacting manufacturing, trade, and transportation sectors. This shortfall, exceeding previous years, is attributed to the Kremlin’s intensified recruitment for the war in Ukraine, leading to significantly increased wages to attract workers. Contributing factors include decreased labor migration, a weakened ruble, and economic instability. The resulting high inflation and record wage growth underscore the strain on Russia’s economy.
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The surge in Polish gun permit applications is undeniably linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The proximity of the conflict, and the resulting uncertainty, has spurred a significant increase in the number of citizens seeking firearm permits, reaching record highs. This isn’t simply a matter of statistics; it reflects a palpable shift in the national mindset.
This heightened interest in firearm ownership isn’t solely driven by immediate fear of a Russian invasion. Many Poles are recalling historical events and preparing for potential future instability, whether stemming from border issues or internal political upheaval. This proactive approach is a stark contrast to the relatively low historical gun ownership rate in Poland, a country historically ranked low in civilian firearm prevalence.… Continue reading
Russia’s economy is sharply declining, evidenced by plummeting industrial production and widespread layoffs across various sectors. Record-high interest rates (21%) and the ongoing war in Ukraine are exacerbating the situation, pushing the nation towards a severe economic slowdown. Major corporations, including VK and Gazprom, are implementing significant job cuts, particularly impacting IT and white-collar workers in both large and medium-sized companies. The human cost of the war, with substantial military casualties and a resulting labor shortage, further intensifies this economic crisis, potentially leading to a broader economic collapse.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood