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Really? You doubt that costly, losing wars are unpopular? Or that the precipitate flight from Russia of several hundred thousand draft eligible young men shows as much?

Anyway, take a look at the following as indicating Putin's desperation over lack of support for the Ukraine war:

From the December 26 Institute for the Study of War assessment:

Putin is likely concerned over the lack of support for his war in Ukraine among elites and may be setting information conditions for the nationalization of their property. Putin pointed out that there are people in Russia who act solely in their self-interest when responding to a relatively positive interview question on his sentiments toward Russians’ commitment to the war. Putin added that 99.9% of Russians would sacrifice everything for the “motherland.” Putin’s instant criticism of some members of society suggests that he is focused on those who do not fully support the war rather than on those who do. Putin made similar statements last week, noting that some businessmen who drain Russia’s money aboard are a “danger” to Russia. Putin’s statements are also consistent with the Russian State Duma’s preparations to introduce a bill to increase tax rates for Russians who had left the country after the start of the “special military operation,” likely as a form of punishment for evading the war effort. The Kremlin will likely use funds generated through the tax to fund its war in Ukraine.

RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 26

Also: Putin's support from Russian society may decline fast

And: Russian Support for Putin's War in Ukraine Crumbling, According to Poll