Even Putin's Own Polls Show Russia's Social Contract Is Cracking
Summary
Russia’s official polls show President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating has dropped to about 65 percent, the lowest in years since before the war in Ukraine. The Russian government is trying to control the internet and force people to use a state-backed app, but Apple and Google removed this app, causing problems for many Russians.Key Facts
- Putin’s approval rating is at 65.1 percent as of July 12, according to Russia’s state-owned Public Opinion Research Center.
- About 23.4 percent of Russians openly disapprove of Putin’s work as president.
- Independent Russian polls show similar approval ratings.
- Before the Ukraine invasion, Putin’s approval was higher, often between 70 and 85 percent.
- The Russian government has blocked foreign messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Russia tried to push a state-backed messaging app called MAX for communication and government services.
- Apple removed MAX from its App Store in June, and Google removed it from the Play Store recently.
- Russia relies mostly on Android phones, so losing access to MAX disrupted many people’s lives.
- The government is loosening some internet restrictions ahead of autumn elections to show political support, but Putin’s approval keeps falling.
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