Story perspectives

Putin Approval Slides to 65.6% Amid Flood Video, GDP Drop

4/26/2026

Center

Putin Approval Decline

Victoria Bonya’s video drew 31 million views, accusing President Vladimir Putin of ignoring floods, livestock culling, internet bans and business failures.
VTsIOM reported President Vladimir Putin’s approval fell to 65.6%, the lowest level since before the Ukraine war.
The government justified internet shutdowns as anti-terror measures, promoted the Max app and blocked VPNs.
Russia’s GDP fell 1.8% Jan-Feb, while Economic Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said reserves are largely depleted.

Right

EU Clears Loan

EU cleared the $106 billion Ukraine loan after the Druzhba pipeline was repaired and Hungary’s new government lifted political blocks finally.
A $106 billion loan for Ukraine was approved by the European Union today.
EU leaders tied Ukraine’s loan repayment to Russian war reparations, avoiding use of frozen assets.
Viktor Orbán’s resistance delayed approval, leading the IMF to forecast a $158 billion gap for Ukraine.

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Putin Approval Decline

Victoria Bonya’s video drew 31 million views, accusing President Vladimir Putin of ignoring floods, livestock culling, internet bans and business failures.
VTsIOM reported President Vladimir Putin’s approval fell to 65.6%, the lowest level since before the Ukraine war.
The government justified internet shutdowns as anti-terror measures, promoted the Max app and blocked VPNs.
Russia’s GDP fell 1.8% Jan-Feb, while Economic Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said reserves are largely depleted.

1 / 2