Story perspectives

Putin clamps down on internet, dissent amid war; approval falls

6/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Vladimir Putin and Russian security services suppressed dissent while continuing the Ukraine invasion and raising taxes.
The government throttled apps and cut off the internet, prompting criticism from citizens and politicians.
Systemic opposition MPs reproached authorities for restricting Telegram, while Instagram influencers who avoid politics began advocating digital rights.
VTsIOM reported Putin’s approval fell to 65.6 percent after seven weeks, which analyst Mikhail Komin attributed to internet restrictions.

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Story summary

President Vladimir Putin and Russian security services suppressed dissent while continuing the Ukraine invasion and raising taxes.
The government throttled apps and cut off the internet, prompting criticism from citizens and politicians.
Systemic opposition MPs reproached authorities for restricting Telegram, while Instagram influencers who avoid politics began advocating digital rights.
VTsIOM reported Putin’s approval fell to 65.6 percent after seven weeks, which analyst Mikhail Komin attributed to internet restrictions.