Putin's Approval Dips Amid Viral Criticism of Russia's Problems

Večernji List reports on a growing wave of public discontent in Russia, manifesting in declining approval ratings for President Vladimir Putin and amplified by viral social media criticism. The Kremlin finds itself grappling with the consequences of a reality TV star's sharp critique, which has resonated widely across the nation, highlighting a series of pressing issues that officials have struggled to address effectively.

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People are afraid, artists are afraid, governors are afraid.

Victoria Bonya, a well-known figure in Russia, has become an unlikely voice of dissent, warning Putin that accumulated problems threaten to spiral out of control. In an 18-minute Instagram video that garnered millions of views, she detailed concerns ranging from natural disasters like floods in Dagestan and oil pollution along the Black Sea coast, to the culling of livestock in Siberia, internet disruptions, and the economic strain on small businesses due to rising prices and taxes. Her message resonates because it touches upon issues that regional governors are reportedly hesitant to bring directly to the president, suggesting a disconnect between the Kremlin and the realities on the ground.

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Do you know what the risk is? It's that people will stop being afraid; they are like a compressed spring, and one day that spring will pop.

Bonya's warning that "people are afraid... they are like a compressed spring, and one day that spring will pop" captures the underlying tension. The Russian government's response was notable: a public acknowledgment of the criticisms and a promise to address the identified problems. This move has fueled speculation about coordination, with some suggesting it's a tactic to allow Putin to appear responsive while deflecting blame onto lower-level officials, a narrative often employed by the Kremlin. This aligns with the "good czar" trope, where the leader is portrayed as unaware of the failings of his subordinates.

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War fatigue is really starting to be felt. In people's minds, a connection is starting to form that everything that is happening is a consequence of the war.

However, political analysts like Andrei Kolesnikov and Abbas Galyamov argue against a coordinated effort, viewing Bonya's outburst as a more organic reflection of simmering public frustration. Kolesnikov points to "war fatigue" as a significant factor, noting that it's becoming increasingly difficult for the government to justify the war's impact on daily life. Galyamov emphasizes that figures like Bonya are reaching new audiences, broadening the base of dissatisfaction by connecting personal grievances—internet issues, rising prices, the war's impact—to broader state actions. From a Croatian perspective, this situation highlights the complex interplay between state control, public opinion, and the evolving role of social media in challenging established narratives within authoritarian contexts. The Kremlin's challenge is to manage this rising tide of discontent without alienating its base or further destabilizing the political climate.

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Bonya is bringing a fundamentally new audience to the opposition camp who were not there before. And their dissatisfaction is growing; they have problems with the internet, prices in stores are jumping, the war is getting on their nerves. The state is encroaching on their private lives.