According to a poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation, shelling by Ukrainian forces on Russian territory has become the main topic of concern for Russians this week, surpassing the war against Ukraine itself for the first time. Sociologists have recorded a sharp rise in anxiety after a series of drone strikes on Russian regions and cities.
Ukrainian shelling becomes the main concern of Russians
According to the latest data from the Public Opinion Foundation, bombardments Ukrainian forces on Russian territory became a more important topic for Russians than the war against Ukraine itself. According to the foundation, between 1 and 3 May, 18% of respondents named the strikes on Russian cities and regions as the main event of the week, while only 16% named the war. This is the first time during a full-scale war that the immediate threat on their own territory worries Russians more than events at the front.
Sociologists note that the wave of anxiety has increased following a series of drone strikes that have affected the infrastructure and residential areas of Russian cities. Previously, the importance of this topic for Russians ranged from 2-15%, but the current figure is a record high for the entire period of the war.
Dynamics of public opinion in Russia
The change in priorities in Russian public opinion can be seen against the backdrop of intensified attacks on Russian territory. While at the beginning of the full-scale aggression, the main focus of public attention was on the events at the frontline, now the focus has shifted to the safety of their own cities. Sociologists emphasise that this transformation reflects the deep concern of Russians over the growing number of attacks and their consequences for everyday life.
In different periods of 2023-2026, the level of anxiety about shelling did not exceed 15%, but recent events have caused a record jump. This indicates that Russian society is increasingly feeling the effects of a war that previously seemed remote.
Implications for Russia's infrastructure and energy sector
In parallel with the growing anxiety among the population, Ukraine has stepped up attacks on the Russian energy sector. This has already led to fuel shortages and infrastructure crises in several regions of Russia. Such attacks have a significant impact on the economic stability and living conditions of the country's residents, creating additional pressure on the authorities.
Experts note that attacks on critical infrastructure not only undermine Russia's military capabilities, but also create a sense of vulnerability in society. Power and fuel cuts are becoming part of everyday life for many Russians.
Why it matters
Changes in public sentiment in the Russian Federation can have far-reaching consequences for domestic politics and regime stability. When the war turns from a remote event into a daily threat, it can affect support for the government's actions and the population's willingness to accept further losses.
At the same time, the intensification of Ukrainian attacks on Russia's energy and infrastructure systems indicates a change in the war strategy. This creates additional challenges for the Russian leadership, which is forced to respond to new threats not only at the front but also in the rear.
The current polling data reflects profound changes in the perception of the war by Russian society and may affect further developments in Russia and the international arena.
