Putin’s Propagandists Scramble to Respond to Celeb Critic
The Bulwark • • world
Key Points:
- Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings in Russia have declined by nearly 7 points in recent months, with only 29 percent of Russians trusting him when asked indirectly, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction amid ongoing economic struggles and the protracted war in Ukraine.
- Despite the upcoming state Duma elections, the Russian political system’s tight control and vote-rigging make it unlikely that Putin faces any real electoral threat, maintaining his grip on power after 26 years.
- Economic indicators are worsening, with Russia’s GDP growth slowing to 1 percent in 2025 and shrinking early in 2026, compounded by budget deficits, falling oil revenues, and increased instability from Ukrainian drone strikes on key infrastructure.
- Victoria Bonya, a former Russian TV personality and influencer living abroad, has emerged as a notable critic of the Kremlin, using her large social media following to highlight government failures and societal fears, sparking a rare public debate and provoking harsh backlash from pro-Kremlin figures.
- Bonya’s defiance, while unlikely to trigger a political revolution, signals increasing public discontent and challenges to Putin’s authoritarian image, exposing cracks in the regime’s control over information and public sentiment.
