Key facts
- Over 43,300 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Russia and Crimea in June, July, and August.
- This represents a substantial increase from approximately 7,700 interceptions in the same period last year.
- Attacks targeted oil terminals, refineries, and major e-commerce warehouses.
- Fuel crises and disruptions to travel and online orders were reported.
- Public anxiety has increased due to the war's direct impact and rumors of mobilization.
Russians experienced a summer marked by significant turmoil, with a surge in drone attacks impacting infrastructure and causing widespread anxiety. The number of intercepted Ukrainian drones over Russia and Crimea rose dramatically to over 43,300 in June, July, and August, compared to about 7,700 in the same period last year. These attacks targeted oil terminals, refineries, and warehouses of major retailers like Wildberries and Ozon, leading to fuel shortages, long queues at gas stations, and disruptions to flights and online orders.
This increased awareness of the war's impact has shifted the public mood, with a worsening assessment of the economic situation and a slight decline in approval ratings for top politicians, including President Vladimir Putin. Analysts note increased grumbling and pessimism, particularly within the business community, about the war's prospects. Persistent rumors of a potential new troop mobilization, similar to the unpopular one in September 2022, have also fueled nervousness, prompting some Russians to leave the country.
Despite the heightened awareness and dampened mood, these factors are not translating into widespread anti-war demonstrations or significant protest votes ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. However, authorities remain sensitive to issues like election turnout and public debate, even in a tightly controlled electoral environment.