US EditionAnother wave of public outcry tests Putin’s rule in wartime Russia
Viral criticism and internet shutdowns are deepening frustration as state and independent polls show Putin’s approval slipping, with the economy also under strain.
- Russian blogger Victoria Bonya's 19-minute Instagram video criticizing President Putin's handling of floods, livestock culls, and internet restrictions reached 31 million views, sparking rare public resistance including petitions and street pickets.
- Economic Minister Maxim Reshetnikov reported Russia's gross domestic product shrank 1.8% between January and February, while authorities tightened censorship by blocking VPNs and messaging apps like Telegram, intensifying public frustration.
- Data released Friday by VTsIOM showed Putin's approval at 65.6%, the lowest since before the war in Ukraine, down from 77.8% in late December 2025; the Levada Center recorded a decline from 85% in October 2025 to 80% in March.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the video, stating "a lot of work is being done" on issues raised, while Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov threatened a repeat of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution if grievances remain unaddressed.
- Political analyst Galeotti cautioned that "none of this can be taken to herald the imminent end of Putin's rule," citing the Kremlin's unchallenged control of the security apparatus despite current public outcry.
25 Articles
25 Articles
The stagnation of the economy, censorship and lack of hope about the end of the conflict in Ukraine fuel discontent.In the networks, opponents and also former allies of the Kremlin express their outrage with increasing force.
Another wave of public outcry tests Putin’s rule in wartime Russia
Some Russian influencers recently released public appeals to President Vladimir Putin, criticizing his government and policies, and a number of his loyalists even threatened a revolt — the latest wave of public outcry over the country’s strained wartime economy and mounting internet restrictions. While none of this dissent indicates an imminent threat to Putin’s rule,…
LancasterOnline
Some Russian influencers recently published public appeals to President Vladimir Putin, criticizing his government and policies, and several of his supporters have even threatened a revolt in the latest wave of public outrage…
Associated Press News
Another wave of public outcry tests Putin's rule in wartime Russia
Public dissent appears to be deepening in Russia. Some Russian influencers recently released public appeals to President Vladimir Putin, criticizing his government and policies.
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