The war between Russia and Ukraine has entered its fifth year, marking a grim milestone as the conflict continues to inflict deep scars on both nations. As of Thursday, the war had reached 1,590 days, with nearly two million people having been seriously injured or killed. The toll is staggering, and the human cost continues to mount as the fighting persists without signs of abating. In one of the most significant attacks yet, Russia launched 570 missiles and drones against Kyiv overnight, resulting in 13 deaths and 86 injuries according to local authorities. This assault underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the growing desperation of Russian forces, who have lost momentum on the battlefield and face mounting challenges in their military and economic strategies.
At the heart of this crisis lies a deteriorating situation for Russia's war economy, which is increasingly strained due to dwindling foreign exchange reserves. According to retired Major General Arne Bård Dalhaug, the first year where the war is genuinely financed through increased taxes and fees will be 2026, as the country’s financial resources begin to run dry. This shift has led to widespread dissatisfaction among Russians, who now find themselves bearing the burden of funding a war that many believe is unwinnable. Dalhaug notes that this financial strain has created a sense of frustration and disillusionment within the population, particularly as the war becomes more costly and less effective.
Despite the official narrative of resilience and determination, there is growing public discontent with how the war is being managed. A recent study conducted by the Ukrainian think tank Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (ICAR) reveals that eight out of ten Russians support ending the war "as soon as possible," the highest level recorded since the full-scale invasion began. This sentiment reflects a shift in public opinion, with fewer Russians willing to endure the war indefinitely. According to the independent Russian newspaper *Meduza*, the percentage of Russians who want the war to continue without a fixed timeline until a complete victory has dropped significantly—from 13% to 9%, the lowest figure since the invasion started.
This growing opposition is not merely theoretical but is also reflected in the tangible impact of the war on everyday life. The increasing frequency of Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory has brought the reality of the conflict closer to home for ordinary citizens. Black smoke rises from oil refineries near Moscow, such as the Gazprom facility in the outskirts of the capital, highlighting the damage inflicted by Ukrainian drone attacks on critical infrastructure. These incidents have made the war more visible and immediate for the average Russian, who now experiences its consequences directly rather than abstractly.
Public frustration with President Vladimir Putin’s handling of the war has also grown. An anonymous high-ranking Russian businessman told the *Financial Times* last month that everyone is angry and that all agree the situation is a catastrophe. Another unnamed business leader, quoted by *The Guardian*, described an increasing awareness of the irrational and self-destructive decisions being made, noting that even those who once supported Putin have abandoned him. Despite this, the businessman offered a glimmer of hope, stating that no one believes everything will collapse suddenly tomorrow.
The war has also regained its position as the top concern for Russians, surpassing issues like low wages and high prices. A survey conducted in May 2026 showed that 33% of respondents cited the war as their primary worry, compared to 24% for low wages and 18% for high prices. This indicates that the war has become the central issue affecting the lives of Russians, overshadowing other pressing concerns.
Putin himself has acknowledged some of these challenges, admitting this week to fuel shortages in the country following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. In response, he established a crisis team to address the fuel shortage, signaling a rare admission of vulnerability. However, despite these difficulties, Putin remains relatively secure in his position, with more than half of Russians still believing he is doing a good job. This paradox—where the war is deeply unpopular yet the president retains significant support—raises questions about the underlying dynamics of public opinion and political loyalty in Russia.
While the war continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides, the situation remains fluid. The growing dissatisfaction among the Russian populace, combined with the strategic setbacks faced by Russian forces, suggests that the conflict could reach a turning point in the coming months. Whether this leads to a negotiated settlement or further escalation remains uncertain, but the signs of a shifting tide are becoming increasingly evident.
7 reports
DagbladetIndependentLeft20 hr. agoThe article discusses the ongoing impact of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year. It reports that over two million people have been seriously injured or killed in the conflict, with a major missile and drone attack on Kyiv resulting in 13 deaths and 86 injuries. The Russian military has lost momentum, facing economic strain and increasing Ukrainian attacks on strategic targets within Russia. Analysts note growing public discontent, citing a study showing 80% of Russians support ending the war immediately, the highest since the invasion began. Meanwhile, a separate study indicates declining support for continuing the war indefinitely, with only 9% of respondents favoring this approach. Anonymous business leaders express frustration over Putin’s handling of the war, calling it a 'disaster' and noting a loss of faith among former supporters.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the growing public dissent against the war as a significant shift in Russian society, emphasizing the high percentage of citizens who want an immediate end to the conflict. While it presents data from independent sources like the Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of RUSS
DagbladetIndependentCenter21 hr. ago First time in 88 yearsThis article discusses the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, marking the first time in 88 years that such a prolonged war has occurred. The war has lasted 1590 days, resulting in over two million casualties. On Thursday, Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv, killing 13 people and injuring 86. Meanwhile, Russia is losing momentum on the battlefield, facing economic collapse, and experiencing increasing resistance from Ukrainian attacks within Russian territory. Analysts note growing public dissatisfaction with the war, citing increased taxes and depleted reserves. A study by the Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (ICAR) reveals that 80% of Russians support ending the war as soon as tomorrow, the highest level since the invasion began. Another study indicates declining support for continuing the war indefinitely, with only 9% now supporting this stance. Anonymous business leaders express frustration with Putin’s handling of the war, calling it a disaster and noting a loss of faith in his leadership.
Bias read (Center): While the article presents data showing significant public discontent with the war, it does not overtly frame the issue as politically biased. It cites multiple independent sources, including the Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (ICAR), Meduza, and anonymous business leaders, to
DagbladetIndependentLeft21 hr. ago - Sick daysThe article discusses the ongoing impact of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fifth year. As of July 1, 2026, the war has lasted 1,590 days, with an estimated two million people injured or killed. On Thursday, Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv using 570 missiles and drones, resulting in 13 deaths and 86 injuries according to local authorities. Meanwhile, Russia is losing momentum on the battlefield, facing economic collapse, and experiencing increasing civilian casualties due to Ukrainian attacks deep within Russian territory. The article highlights growing domestic discontent in Russia, citing a study by the Ukrainian think tank Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (ICAR), which found that 80% of Russians support ending the war as soon as tomorrow—the highest level since the full-scale invasion began. Another study noted a significant drop in those who believe the war should continue indefinitely, down to 9%. Anonymous business leaders in Russia have expressed frustration with Putin’s handling of the conflict, calling it a 'disaster' and noting a loss of faith in his leadership.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the growing public dissent against the war in Russia as a sign of shifting societal attitudes, emphasizing the high percentage of Russians supporting an end to the conflict. It highlights the economic strain on Russia and the increasing civilian impact of the war, which aligns ide
DagbladetIndependentLeft22 hr. ago - No heatThe article discusses the ongoing impact of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fifth year. It reports that over two million people have been seriously injured or killed in the conflict, with a major missile and drone attack on Kyiv resulting in 13 deaths and 86 injuries. The Russian military has lost momentum, facing increasing challenges from Ukrainian attacks on strategic targets within Russia. Analysts note growing public dissatisfaction with the war, citing rising taxes to fund the conflict and declining support for continued warfare. A study by an independent Russian newspaper reveals that 80% of Russians now support ending the war as soon as tomorrow, the highest level since the invasion began. Meanwhile, economic pressures and civilian casualties continue to fuel discontent among both civilians and elites.
Bias read (Left): The article emphasizes growing public dissent against the war, highlights economic strain on Russian citizens, and cites independent research showing significant shifts in public opinion. While it presents data from multiple sources including an independent Russian newspaper, the framing leans on a
DagbladetIndependentLeftyesterday - Getting worse by the dayThe article discusses the ongoing impact of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fifth year. As of July 1, 2026, the war has lasted 1,590 days, with an estimated two million people injured or killed. On Thursday, Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv, killing 13 and injuring 86 according to local authorities. Meanwhile, Russia is losing momentum on the battlefield, facing economic collapse, and experiencing increasing civilian casualties due to Ukrainian attacks deep within Russian territory. The article highlights growing domestic discontent in Russia, citing a study by the Ukrainian think tank Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (ICAR), which found that 80% of Russians support ending the war as soon as tomorrow—the highest level since the full-scale invasion began. Another study noted a significant drop in those who believe the war should continue indefinitely, down to 9%. Anonymous business leaders in Russia have expressed frustration with Putin’s handling of the conflict, calling it a 'disaster' and noting a loss of faith in his leadership.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the growing dissent against Russia's war efforts as a reflection of broader societal fatigue and disillusionment, emphasizing the shift in public opinion toward supporting an end to the conflict. It highlights the role of independent research institutions like ICAR and references
DagbladetIndependentCenteryesterday - Coming to say goodbyeThe article discusses the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fifth year, with over two million people affected by casualties or injuries. On Thursday, Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv, killing 13 and injuring 86 according to local authorities. The Russian military has lost momentum, facing economic strain and increasing Ukrainian attacks on strategic targets within Russia. Analyst Arne Bård Dalhaug notes growing public dissatisfaction due to reliance on increased taxes to fund the war. A study by the Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (ICAR) reveals that 80% of Russians support ending the war as soon as tomorrow, the highest level since the invasion began. Meanwhile, independent reports indicate declining support for continuing the war indefinitely, with only 9% of respondents favoring this option. Anonymous business leaders express frustration over Putin’s handling of the war, calling it a 'disaster' and noting a loss of faith among former supporters.
Bias read (Center): While the article presents data showing significant public discontent with the war, it does not overtly frame the issue as politically biased. It includes both Russian state-controlled narratives and independent studies, providing balanced context. The emphasis is on factual reporting rather than a傾
NRK NyheterState / PublicCenter5 days agoRussian President Vladimir Putin appears to remain secure despite ongoing challenges, including recent attacks on a weapons factory in Voronezh, daily drone strikes, fuel shortages on Crimea, and fires at Moscow's largest oil refinery. These incidents have led to disruptions such as rationing of gasoline and restrictions on mobile internet in Moscow. Despite these issues, more than half of Russians still believe Putin is performing well. However, public sentiment is mixed, with many weary of the war but continuing to support the military effort. The population is increasingly concerned about high interest rates and rising prices rather than the conflict itself. There is little enthusiasm for Russia’s 'special operation' in Ukraine, though many express indifference. Meanwhile, there is hope among some that Russian elites might turn against Putin, recalling historical precedents where elite shifts had significant consequences.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the situation in Russia, highlighting both the challenges faced by the country and the continued support for Putin among a majority of citizens. It does not exhibit clear bias toward either supporting or criticizing Putin, instead providing context on public态度
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