Story perspectives

Putin's Approval Drops to 65.6% Amid Crackdown, Telegram Ban

6/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Vladimir Putin and Russian security services suppressed dissent, invaded Ukraine, sent hundreds of thousands of troops, raised taxes and restricted internet.
Instagram influencers in Russia publicly demanded digital-rights protections.
Systemic opposition lawmakers in the State Duma reproached the government for limiting Telegram, the most used chat app.
Polls by VTsIOM showed Putin’s approval fell for seven weeks to 65.6 percent amid economic woes and internet limits.

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Story summary

President Vladimir Putin and Russian security services suppressed dissent, invaded Ukraine, sent hundreds of thousands of troops, raised taxes and restricted internet.
Instagram influencers in Russia publicly demanded digital-rights protections.
Systemic opposition lawmakers in the State Duma reproached the government for limiting Telegram, the most used chat app.
Polls by VTsIOM showed Putin’s approval fell for seven weeks to 65.6 percent amid economic woes and internet limits.