A recent poll conducted by independent Russian pollster Chronicles has unveiled that nearly half, accounting for 49 percent, of Russian citizens are now in favor of withdrawing their troops from Ukraine, even if President Vladimir Putin's goals for the full-scale invasion are not achieved. The survey, which involved 800 participants between September 10 and 17, showed a notable increase from 40 percent in January 2024. The results suggest a shift in public sentiment following the incursion of Ukrainian forces into the Kursk region on August 6, which significantly impacted morale in Russia.

Aleksei Miniailo, an opposition politician and co-founder of Chronicles, expressed that prolonged warfare has eroded people's belief that the conflict will culminate in a favorable outcome for them and for Russia. Putin's ambiguous objectives for the military operation include undermining Ukraine's ties with NATO, stifling Ukrainian nationalism, and expanding territorial acquisitions. In light of these developments, the survey indicates that support for troop withdrawal and engaging in peace talks with Ukraine is on the rise among the Russian populace.

Moreover, the poll disclosed that a vast majority, comprising 63 percent, of respondents wish to see a peace treaty with Ukraine, encompassing mutual concessions, within the upcoming year. The findings suggest a growing reluctance among Russians to participate in the ongoing conflict, with less than a third, 29 percent, expressing willingness to endorse a new wave of Russian mobilization. This shift in public opinion aligns with the evolving dynamics of the war and reflects changing attitudes toward Russia's military engagement in Ukraine.