The Kremlin is preparing for upcoming elections and is finding it increasingly difficult to conceal public fatigue with the war.
Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) stated this on its website, according to Ukrinform.
"Even government-controlled polls show that only 15–24% of Russians support continuing the fighting, while 64–67% support peace negotiations. Taking into consideration the atmosphere of fear in the country, the actual level of support for the war may be even lower. Ahead of the September state duma elections, this creates additional risks for the authorities – risks that even a rigged electoral system cannot fully eliminate," the SZRU said.
According to Ukraine's foreign intelligence service, Russian voters formally have a choice, but political competition has been eliminated.
Only candidates loyal to the regime are allowed to participate.
