There is a classic Soviet expression that sums up how hard life was in the USSR: “Today is worse than yesterday, but at least it is better than tomorrow.”

In the latest poll from the independent pollster, the Levada Centre, Russians might be excused for going back to their old ways as the pressures of the war finally start to cut into their quality of life. Rising prices and slowing growth dominated public sentiment in Russia in 2025, as households prepared for further financial pressure in the new year.

A Levada poll, cited by The Bell on December 24, found that 34% of Russians named inflation, utility bills and tax hikes as the most important developments of the year, ahead of even major geopolitical events such as the Putin–Trump summit in Alaska or a possible peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

In the same poll, 48% of respondents said 2025 was harder for the country than the year before, and 38% said it was a difficult year for their families. This marks a shift from the 2024 boom year, when the top concern was a Ukrainian military attack on Russia’s Kursk region, followed by the presidential election and the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack on March 22 that killed over a hundred innocent people.

A separate poll by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) in November found that 24.9% of Russians said their lives had worsened in recent months — the highest figure since 2022. Only 7.8% reported any improvement, while 65% said their situation was unchanged.

The surveys reveal a deepening inequality: 49% of those who can only afford food said life had become harder, compared with just 13.5% of wealthier respondents who reported any decline. Among the wealthiest group — defined as those who can afford a car — 20% reported an improvement in their financial position.

Expectations for 2026 remain uncertain. While 25.2% hope for improvement, 18.9% expect further deterioration, and one in five respondents said they didn’t know what to expect.

Though Russia’s GDP has grown roughly 4% annually over the past two years, driven by wartime spending, the effect is waning. In the third quarter of 2025, growth slowed to 0.6%, signalling that the stimulative impact of military expenditure is reaching its limit.

Inflation officially eased to 6.6% in November, according to Rosstat, but public perception suggests otherwise. Inflation expectations rose to 13.7% in December, as Russians braced for a VAT increase from 20% to 22% in 2026, which is expected to drive up prices across sectors. Utility bills rose 11.9% this year and are projected to increase by another 13% in 2026 — the highest jump since the war began.

President Vladimir Putin claims the growing economic difficulties are temporary: “There’s no economic catastrophe, just some difficulties — so what? It’s not forever… Everyone will be okay, nothing will happen,” he said at the annual meet the people press conference in December.

For many Russians, however, economic hardship has become the defining feature of post-war daily life, with little indication of a return to peacetime conditions.

Levada Center poll (end of 2025):

34%: “Rising prices, housing and utility rates, VAT, and recycling fees” 

29%: “Putin–Trump summit in Alaska” 

28%: “Drone attacks on cities and businesses” 

25%: “Mobile internet problems and blocked messaging apps” 

48%: Said 2025 was harder for the country than 2024 

38%: Said 2025 was difficult for themselves and their families 

Levada Center (income-related responses):

49%: Among those with only enough for food, said life became harder 

24%: Of the poorest respondents, described 2025 as "bad" 

72%: Of wealthy respondents, consider the year a success 

18%: Of wealthy noticed improvements 

Public Opinion Foundation (FOM), November 2025:

24.9%: Said life had worsened over past 2–3 months 

7.8%: Reported improvements 

65%: Said situation remained "virtually unchanged" 

17.6%: Described situation as "bad"

57%: Described situation as "average" 

45.5%: Of those unable to afford food, reported worsening conditions 

35%: Of those barely affording clothing, reported worsening 

13.5%: Of wealthiest group, reported deterioration 

20%: Of wealthiest, reported improvement 

Outlook for 2026:

25.2%: Hope for improvement 

18.9%: Expect worsening 

20.8%: Unsure what will happen