Zelenskyy: Over 80% of Russians Expect Major Economic Crisis Amid Ongoing Strikes

What happened

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported, citing intelligence obtained by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (FISU), that more than 80% of the Russian population believes a significant economic crisis in Russia is inevitable. He added that over 50% of Russians are currently more anxious than during Ukraine's Kursk operation, and 66% consider their financial situations difficult.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Zelenskyy said internal Russian documents revealed worsening conditions in occupied Crimea, with fuel shortages, military logistics failures, and governance problems mounting day by day. Ukrainian drone strikes—both mid-range and long-range—are targeting Russian oil refining facilities, which the Russian occupation authorities admit they cannot effectively counter.

These developments reportedly extend beyond Crimea, affecting other Russian regions as well. According to Zelenskyy, this situation reflects a broader failure of President Vladimir Putin’s war policy to mitigate the damage caused by Ukrainian strikes.

Known from the source

• Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service obtained intelligence on Russian public mood.
• More than 80% of Russians reportedly believe an economic crisis in Russia is inevitable, according to the intelligence cited by Zelenskyy.
• Over 50% of Russians are said to be more anxious now than during Ukraine’s Kursk operation.
• 66% of Russians reportedly consider their financial situation difficult, based on internal Russian documents.
• Ukraine has conducted mid-range and long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil refining facilities.

What remains unclear

The Russian government and Defence Ministry are said to have received instructions from Putin to take measures aimed at eliminating the consequences of Ukrainian attacks on critical infrastructure, including oil refineries, highlighting ongoing logistical and economic challenges within Russia.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of internal Russian documents referenced by Zelenskyy regarding public mood and economic assessments. Independent confirmation of the reported public anxiety levels and economic crisis expectations among Russians. Authentication of Ukrainian drone strikes specifically targeting Russia’s oil refining industry and their measurable impact.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.