Victoria Bonya, a Russian celebrity influencer based in Monaco, delivered a rare public critique of Vladimir Putin via an 18-minute Instagram video. Addressing her 13 million followers, Bonya warned that Russians are becoming increasingly discontent and may 'snap' due to issues like economic decline, internet crackdown, and regional crises, including floods in Dagestan. Her candid remarks garnered over 26 million views, marking a significant moment of open dissent in Russia's restricted political climate.
While Bonya expressed her support for Putin, she criticized the government for withholding truths from the public and accused top officials of being too afraid to confront the president with reality. The Kremlin promptly acknowledged her comments, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirming that Putin is well-informed and addressing the issues. Bonya’s criticism has sparked discussions among other influencers and experts, some viewing her as inadvertently fueling opposition sentiments or even revolution, while others suspect Kremlin manipulation. Her brave stance underscores growing discontent amid widespread economic struggles, restrictions on digital freedoms, and declining approval ratings for Putin, signaling a subtle shift in the Russian sociopolitical landscape.