Story perspectives

Putin Rebukes Influencer Over Internet Blackouts, Approval Drops

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Influencer Victoria Bonya posted an Instagram video condemning internet blackouts, drew views, and provoked a rebuke from President Vladimir Putin.
VTSIOM poll on April 24 recorded Putin’s approval at 65.5%, down from 74% in February.
Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov, Just Russia head Sergey Mironov, New People chief Alexey Nechayev denounced the shutdowns.
Levada Center reported 41% of Russians had incomes above subsistence level in February 2026, a seven-point decline since March 2025.

History

Historical Context

Russia’s push for “internet sovereignty” began with the 2008 single-register blacklist and the 2019 Sovereign Internet Law that forced providers to install isolation gear. When the Ukraine invasion started, Roskomnadzor ordered the restriction of Facebook and X in late February 2022, achieving near-total blockage by 4 March 2022. The move built on earlier wartime bans of Western platforms.

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Story summary

Influencer Victoria Bonya posted an Instagram video condemning internet blackouts, drew views, and provoked a rebuke from President Vladimir Putin.
VTSIOM poll on April 24 recorded Putin’s approval at 65.5%, down from 74% in February.
Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov, Just Russia head Sergey Mironov, New People chief Alexey Nechayev denounced the shutdowns.
Levada Center reported 41% of Russians had incomes above subsistence level in February 2026, a seven-point decline since March 2025.

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