Russia’s State Pollster Shifts Methodology, Leading Immediate Rise in Putin’s Approval Rating

The Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) reported an increase in President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating to 66.8% in mid-May 2026, following a change in its survey methodology. The new approach combined traditional telephone surveys with door-to-door interviews, a shift VTsIOM attributed to declining response rates caused by anti-spam filters, telephone fraud, and communication restrictions. Trust in Putin also climbed to 72.1%. This uptick reverses a downward trend observed since early March, where approval had dipped to 65.6%. Analysts and political technologists suggest the previous decline was driven by public war fatigue, rising prices, and restrictions on platforms like Telegram and mobile internet. The inclusion of in-person interviews reportedly improved reach among older demographics, who were less accessible via phone. The article highlights the sensitivity of public opinion metrics in Russia amid ongoing conflict and domestic regulatory tightening, suggesting that methodological adjustments can significantly impact reported political support levels.