ACF regularly measures public opinion across a wide range of issues. Our Polls & Surveys team once again called Russians to ask about their values and views. These surveys show how people’s priorities are shifting—and what they really think about the country’s situation.

Where should budget money go?

The key question: what would Russians spend extra budget revenues on.

The result was striking: only 8% want would like to spend this extra money on the war—the lowest level in three years of polling. For comparison: during peak military draft period that figure was 20%.

Healthcare, however, came out on top, chosen by 31%. People see that resources are being drained by the war, leaving little for social needs and infrastructure. This is a unifying issue: both regime supporters and opponents share the same experience with Russia’s healthcare system—and it is, to put it mildly, discouraging.

Looking back at previous surveys makes the picture even clearer: 75% of Russians want peace talks as soon as possible.

Self-Censorship and Criticism of Power

We regularly test attitudes toward free speech. When asked “Public criticism of the president’s actions in the media is unacceptable. Do you agree?”, since the war began, almost half the respondents answer “no”.

This is clearly the result of years of propaganda and harsh repression. Yet even in this environment, almost 40% still believe the government must be openly criticized. Despite fear and criminal cases, a large part of society refuses to remain silent.

Draft Army or Contract Army?

One might expect the war to have shifted views on the army. But the numbers remain almost unchanged year after year: 30% for a contract army, 60% for conscription. Even war hasn’t altered these entrenched attitudes.

“Testing the Waters” on the Death Penalty

The Kremlin regularly floats the idea of restoring the death penalty. But despite media campaigns, public opinion has barely moved.

Over 11 years, support has risen only from 37% to 43%. Opponents still form a majority at 50%. The signal is clear: even after decades of propaganda, there is no broad demand for bloodshed. Otherwise, the moratorium would have been lifted long ago.

The Value of Free Thought

We asked: “Everyone has the right to express their opinion freely and openly, and no one should be persecuted for their views. Do you agree?”

Even after 25 years of dictatorship and censorship, the core idea of freedom of speech has not been destroyed. In 2014, 89% agreed. In 2025, it’s 75%. The trend is negative, but three-quarters of Russians still reject the system Putin enforces every day.

Family Finances

Militarizing the economy hasn’t helped most people. Only 33% say life has improved, while 65% disagree.

Some groups—contract soldiers and defense industry workers—have seen pay rises. But for the majority, incomes are stagnant while prices keep climbing.

How Are the Authorities Performing?

52% say the government is doing well, 41% say they are not. This is far from the “nationwide approval” broadcast on TV. It’s a mixed verdict, masking fatigue and disappointment.

We Are Not a Minority!

Putin wants Russians to feel isolated and powerless—as if we are just “3% within the margin of error.” But that is not true.

Every one of our surveys shows the opposite: tens of millions of people want change. Putin wants us to feel alone. We must not fall into that propaganda trap.