Approval ratings for Vladimir Putin have seen a significant decline, dropping from 79% in 2024 to 66.7% in April 2026. This downward trend represents a 9% decrease since the beginning of 2026, marking the lowest levels of support since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Internet Restrictions and Public Backlash
The sharp decline in ratings is closely linked to the Russian government’s crackdown on internet access, specifically the blocking of the Telegram messenger. According to Bloomberg, these disruptions have fueled widespread public dissatisfaction, prompting the Kremlin to reconsider its censorship policies.
The push for these restrictions originated from a faction within the government linked to the FSB. However, the Kremlin has since recognized the negative political and economic consequences of these actions.
The Impact on Urban Centers and Stability
The internet outages caused particularly strong resentment in Moscow, where residents are less accustomed to such disruptions. This volatility comes at a critical time as the Kremlin seeks to project an image of “all-people support” ahead of the State Duma elections.
Parallel reports from Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service on March 31 indicated a steady decline in trust toward the Russian government and key state institutions, with more citizens viewing the country’s current situation negatively.
Protests and Technical Resistance
The blocking of Telegram began in late March, occurring earlier than the officially planned start date of April 1. This acceleration triggered “free internet” protests on March 29 across most major Russian cities.
While most protesters were simply pushed back by authorities, between 3 and 12 individuals were detained during these demonstrations. Meanwhile, Telegram has countered the blocks by implementing an updated anti-censorship protection protocol, which theoretically allows the service to remain accessible in restricted regions.
Potential Future Developments
Given the falling ratings and upcoming elections, the Kremlin may be forced to further adjust its tactical approach to internet censorship. There is a possibility that the administration could soften its stance on blocks to mitigate voter anger and stabilize public perception before the polls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Vladimir Putin’s approval rating dropped?
The decline is primarily attributed to the blocking of the Telegram messenger and general internet disruptions, which have caused significant public dissatisfaction, particularly in Moscow.
What happened during the “free internet” protests?
On March 29, protests took place in most major Russian cities. These events resulted in the detention of between 3 and 12 people, while most other participants were pushed back by security forces.
How is Telegram attempting to bypass the Russian blocks?
Telegram has released an updated anti-censorship protection protocol designed to allow users to access the messenger even in locations where it is being blocked.
Do you believe technical workarounds are enough to sustain digital communication in an environment of increasing state censorship?
