Putin faces falling popularity as Russian economy slows

Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing growing public discontent as economic pressure mounts and his approval slips.

Influencer Viktoria Bonya broke a rare public silence, saying Russians fear the state, pointing to internet limits, tax hikes and police pressure on businesses.

Analysts note the war in Ukraine no longer boosts Putin's popularity.

State data show a budget deficit and economic slowdown, while elections are tightly controlled, leaving the war as a central cause of Russia's troubles.