Decline in Public Confidence for Putin Hits 2022 Lows (legrandcontinent.eu)

• VTsIOM trust metrics have dipped below the 75% threshold.
• Independent experts highlight the decline as an indicator of reduced societal fear.
• Russian authorities are intensifying digital constraints on foreign messaging apps.

"Confidence ratings for Vladimir Putin, tracked by the state-affiliated VTsIOM, have dropped below 75% for the first time since February 2022. Analysts suggest that because these polls do not explicitly name the president, the decline reflects a subtle shift in public willingness to express dissent. The Russian state is simultaneously restricting access to popular platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp in an effort to force users toward the state-controlled 'Max' application. While these numbers will not affect imminent legislative elections, they highlight a growing trend of underlying societal friction and a weakening of the regime's control mechanisms."