Influencers Call on Putin to Address Public Concerns Amidst Rising Discontent

In a rare public appeal, Russian influencers Viktoria Bonya and Aiza have called on President Vladimir Putin to acknowledge and address pressing social and economic issues affecting ordinary citizens. Bonya, a prominent blogger with over 13 million followers, released an 18-minute video on April 14, which quickly garnered over 24 million views. In her address, she stated, “The people are afraid of you; bloggers, artists are afraid; governors are afraid,” emphasizing a disconnect between the government and the populace. She highlighted critical issues such as devastating flooding in Dagestan, pollution along the Black Sea, livestock culling in Siberia, and rising taxes that threaten small businesses. Bonya expressed concern that many Russians are contemplating leaving the country due to these hardships.

Aiza, another influencer with a significant following, echoed similar sentiments in a now-deleted video, criticizing corruption among lawmakers and rising utility costs. She suggested that Putin might be unaware of the realities faced by citizens, relying instead on curated briefings. Following the backlash and threats she received, Aiza removed her video but reiterated her intent to support the public.

These appeals come at a time when Putin's approval ratings have plummeted to 67.8%, the lowest since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The decline in support is attributed to various factors, including ongoing military casualties, economic hardships, and increasing restrictions on internet access and free expression. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the significance of the issues raised by Bonya, asserting that the government is already addressing them.

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The influencers' messages have sparked discussions about the Kremlin's handling of dissent and the media landscape in Russia. Critics argue that these appeals may serve as a public relations strategy to portray Putin as a leader who is unaware of the challenges faced by his citizens. Some observers speculate that the influencers' safety, living abroad, allows them to voice concerns without fear of repercussions, unlike many ordinary Russians who face severe consequences for public criticism.

In response to the influencers' videos, Peskov stated that the Kremlin has seen the viral content and is working on the issues mentioned. However, experts like Igor Eidman suggest that any governmental actions may be temporary and aimed at improving public relations rather than enacting substantial change. The ongoing crackdown on dissent, particularly against pro-war bloggers, raises concerns about the future of free expression in Russia.

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• “The people are afraid of you, artists are afraid, governors are afraid,” — Viktoria Bonya, Influencer

• “If they want to bring us back to the U.S.S.R., then a time machine would need to be built first. Without that, it simply won’t work,” — Ivan Okhlobystin, Actor

• “I didn’t say anything bad or anything that isn’t already in the media.” — Aiza, Influencer

The influencers' appeals highlight a growing discontent among the Russian populace, reflecting broader societal issues that the government may need to address to maintain its legitimacy.