„They practically rebuilt the city in three days. Damn, if he came more often, maybe within a year we would see a completely new city,“ wrote one city resident on social media.
The article notes that at the beginning of the year, the Russian leader rarely left Moscow, probably fearing an assassination attempt.
However, now he has visited six cities in Russia in less than three weeks.
Analysts assess that V. Putin may be trying to increase his declining popularity in this way.
According to the Kremlin-associated polling agency “Public Opinion Foundation,” in July V. Putin’s rating dropped to 66% – the lowest rating since 2022, when the unprovoked war against Ukraine began.
Critics say that the real support for V. Putin is even lower.
“During Putin’s recent visits to Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk, two other Siberian cities, gasoline prices were reduced – apparently based on an official order. However, immediately after his departure, they jumped again,” the article states.
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Although elections are constantly rigged in favor of V. Putin and his ruling party, and security services strictly suppress any opposition, the Kremlin closely monitors public opinion.
The publication notes that V. Putin’s ratings are high compared to Western leaders’ ratings, but Russia does not tolerate any real opposition, and the national media is controlled by the Kremlin.
According to the “Levada Center” – an independent research organization in Moscow, which the Kremlin has declared a “foreign agent” – 66% of Russians say they support the war, 62% would like peace talks to begin, and only 28% are in favor of continuing military actions.
“One in five Russians said they do not follow news about the war at all,” the article in The Times adds.
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