Russian lifestyle Influencers Turn on Putin in Rare Public Revolt

Russian beauty influencer Victoria Bonya, pictured in Cannes, France, in 2018, says Russia's internet restrictions are preventing people from communicating with loved ones.

Stephane Mahe/Reuters

A growing number of high-profile Russian influencers are breaking ranks with Vladimir Putin — in a striking and unusually public backlash against the Kremlin’s tightening grip on daily life.

Leading the charge is Victoria Bonya, a celebrity lifestyle figure who stunned followers with a direct message to the Russian president: “People are afraid of you.”

The blunt criticism marks a rare moment of open dissent from figures who have typically steered clear of political confrontation.

“We Are Not Living in a Free Country”

In a viral post viewed tens of millions of times, Bonya — who says she still supports Putin — accused authorities of pushing Russia into a climate of fear.

She cited everything from alleged government failures during regional crises to sweeping internet restrictions that are cutting people off from family and friends.

“There’s a feeling that we’re no longer living in a free country,” she warned.

Digital Crackdown Sparks Fury

At the center of the anger is a widening assault on online freedom.

Authorities have throttled messaging platforms, tightened restrictions on VPNs, and triggered rolling internet blackouts — officially framed as security measures tied to the war in Ukraine.

But critics say the effect has been devastating, particularly for online creators whose livelihoods depend on access to global platforms.

Economic Pain Meets Online Censorship

Another influencer, Aiza, echoed the frustration, warning the restrictions could hammer Russia’s already strained economy.

She lashed out at inequality and corruption, questioning how officials could accumulate vast wealth while ordinary citizens face mounting hardship.

Her video was later deleted — a sign of the risks involved in speaking out.

Fear, Anger — And A Possible Shift

Other voices have followed, some visibly emotional.

Lifestyle blogger Liza Moka posted a tearful video saying she “can’t stand what they are doing to us,” describing how internet controls are disrupting her children’s education and daily life.

Even younger Russians are joining in, questioning whether freedom still exists under tightening restrictions.

Analysts say the backlash may signal something deeper.

Tatiana Stanovaya described the current moment as potentially “pivotal,” suggesting the Kremlin’s digital clampdown may be pushing public frustration into the open.

A Crack in the Kremlin’s Control?

Russia has long maintained strict control over media and dissent, especially since the war in Ukraine began.

But this wave of criticism — coming not from opposition politicians but from lifestyle influencers with massive audiences — represents a different kind of challenge.

Not organised. Not political. But visible.

And in a system built on silence, even small cracks can matter

SOURCE

If those "influencers" ever get sent back to Russia , they are out of a window...fast

regards worgeordie

Believe it was the oligarchs who pushed

him forward as a low level .honest candidate

who could be manipulated

Huge mistake !

They are not protesting Putin's genocidal war on Ukraine. They arjust annoyed at being inconvenienced. Puck em.

39 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

They are not protesting Putin's genocidal war on Ukraine. They arjust annoyed at being inconvenienced. Puck em.

Or more likely, being paid content producers, they are conveniently giving mild voice to public concerns for which the Kremlin responds with statements of how these concerns are to be addressed.