Story perspectives

Putin Slashes Apps, Tax Hikes Amid War, 65% Approval

5/7/2026

Summary

Putin Restricts Internet

President Vladimir Putin and security services throttled popular apps, cut internet access, and restricted Telegram.
The war has killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers and triggered sharp tax hikes.
Ordinary citizens and Instagram influencers publicly condemned the restrictions and demanded digital rights.
Scientist Mikhail Komin said the limits have turned many people against the regime while a VTsIOM poll shows Putin’s approval at 65.6 percent.

Summary

Shadayev Tightens Data

Cash in circulation rose by about 600 billion rubles in April, the biggest monthly increase since September 2022.
Mobile-internet outages disabled cellular ATMs and cut gig-workers’ income as navigation and payment apps failed.
Procurement data show Russian firms bought 82 % more bypass-capable telecom gear and doubled satellite-internet orders in a year.
The Ministry of Digital Development will fee users over 15 GB of data and may penalize VPN use, Minister Maksut Shadayev said.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014 Russian forces seized Crimea, held a disputed referendum where 97 % voted to join Russia, and switched Ukrainian telecom codes to Russian ones (e.g., +7 365). The takeover forced Russia to limit mobile roaming, block Ukrainian channels and build a state-controlled network, a pattern echoed today as the Kremlin throttles Telegram and imposes data fees, signalling a renewed push for online surveillance.

1 of 3

Putin Restricts Internet

President Vladimir Putin and security services throttled popular apps, cut internet access, and restricted Telegram.
The war has killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers and triggered sharp tax hikes.
Ordinary citizens and Instagram influencers publicly condemned the restrictions and demanded digital rights.
Scientist Mikhail Komin said the limits have turned many people against the regime while a VTsIOM poll shows Putin’s approval at 65.6 percent.

1 / 3