Putin’s Approval Falls to 65.6% as Russia’s 2026 Internet Crackdown Fuels Public Anger
Updated
Updated · Forbes · May 24
Putin’s Approval Falls to 65.6% as Russia’s 2026 Internet Crackdown Fuels Public Anger
2 articles · Updated · Forbes · May 24
State polling put Putin’s approval at 65.6% in April, down from 74% in February, as trust also fell 7 points to 71%—the weakest readings since the 2022 invasion.
Telegram and VPN blocking, which spread sharply from April 2026 under a broader internet whitelisting regime, has emerged as a bigger public anxiety than Ukrainian drone attacks, disrupting payments, navigation, deliveries and everyday communication.
The Kremlin says shutdowns are needed to stop Ukrainian drones using mobile networks, but the restrictions have hit small businesses and daily life so broadly that even pro-war influencers and some civilian officials have voiced criticism.
That backlash comes as war strains deepen—nearly one-third of Russians now have relatives tied to the fighting, inflation is widely felt, and one study found heavier shutdown exposure correlates with greater support for peace talks.
The dispute has widened a split between security hardliners backing tighter controls and civilian elites warning of backlash, underscoring how the war is eroding the connected, modernized Russia Putin once promoted.
Is Putin’s war on the internet a desperate last gamble or a calculated move to secure his regime's survival?
With elites divided and citizens angered by blackouts, is Putin's grip on power finally starting to crack?
As Russia sacrifices its modern economy for war, what is the true breaking point for its isolated citizens?
37,000+ Hours Offline: How Russia’s Expanding Internet Shutdowns and State Apps Are Reshaping Society (2024–2026)
Overview
As of May 2026, Russia’s internet is increasingly shaped by strict state control, with widespread disruptions and the suspected rollout of a whitelisting system that severely limits online access. Digital rights groups are raising alarms about these measures, which officials claim are needed for citizens’ safety and will last as long as necessary. Despite these assurances, the impact on daily life and information access for Russians is profound, as the new restrictions make it much harder for people to reach online content and communicate freely.