Growing Discontent and Calls for Peace
Vyacheslav Markhayev, a State Duma deputy from the Communist Party, has urged President Vladimir Putin to outline a strategy for ending the war against Ukraine, citing concerns over ineffective leadership within the Kremlin. He warned that the country is on the verge of a social explosion and that the current administration would bear the blame.
“The time for illusions is over. The country is on the brink of a social explosion, and the blame for this will fall squarely on the current authorities,” Markhayev stated.He further emphasized that without a change in course, social unrest and chaos become increasingly likely, and the West would exploit this to dismantle what remains of Russian statehood.
Other Communist Party members have voiced similar sentiments. Late last month, deputy Renat Suleymanov called for a swift end to the war. In March, former Kremlin loyalist Ilya Remeslo labeled Putin a war criminal and a thief. These statements reflect mounting dissatisfaction among certain political figures in Russia.
Economic Strain and Military Spending
The country's situation is further complicated by economic difficulties. In early April, only 29.5% of Russians named the president among politicians they trust. Russia's military spending surged by over 30% in early 2026, accounting for 46% of total budget expenditures. From January to March 2026, these costs consumed two-thirds of budget revenues. Economist Janis Kluge from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs noted that
“the pace of military spending looks even more striking—and, from the Kremlin's perspective, alarming.”
Last week, the St. Petersburg Economic Forum was hit by two massive drone attacks, signaling rising tensions within the country. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina was absent from the forum, with the Kremlin citing illness as the reason. Meanwhile, on Friday, Putin signed a decree increasing the army's authorized personnel by nearly 10,000 troops—the second such expansion in four months.
Against this backdrop, Ukraine has requested an additional $20 billion in funding from its allies. This request is expected to be presented on June 18 during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The need for continued financing underscores the severity of the situation and its broader regional implications.
The statements from State Duma deputies highlight growing discontent within Russia's political establishment, potentially signaling shifts in approaches to the war and domestic policy. Rising military expenditures amid an economic crisis suggest that Russia may face serious internal challenges if the situation remains unchanged. On the other hand, Ukraine's request for funding indicates its intent to sustain active resistance, which could complicate peace efforts in the region.
As calls for a change in strategy intensify, the Kremlin is facing significant pressure to find a way to exit the ongoing conflict. This growing unrest among political figures, coupled with economic challenges, underscores the urgency of the situation. For a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play and how they might influence Putin's decisions, read more about the increasing pressure on the Kremlin to seek an end to the war.