An unexpected video has shaken social networks in Russia. The influence Victoria Bonyaknown for her life of luxury and her past in reality television Dom-2has published a direct message to the president Vladimir Putin which already exceeds 30 million views. In the video, which lasts about 18 minutes, he launches a phrase that summarizes his intervention: “The people are afraid of you… and they shouldn’t”. An unusual message in the Russian media ecosystem, where power is rare and usually has consequences.
A speech that breaks with its usual profile
Bonya is not a political activist. Her regular content revolves around travel, beauty and lifestyle. from Monaco. Therefore, the tone of his intervention has surprised even his followers.
In his message, he claims to speak “on behalf of the people”, although he acknowledges that no one has asked him to do so. And he describes a climate of general fear: citizens who fear power, artists and bloggers who avoid taking a position and officials who do not question decisions.
Its central argument is not a direct criticism of the president, but of his environment. Bonya maintains that Putin would be misinformed and disconnected from the social reality of the country.
The complaints: economy, disasters and censorship
During the video, the influencer lists several problems that, according to her, generate discontent in Russia: rising cost of livingpollution in coastal areas, floods in regions such as Dagestan, crisis in the livestock sector and restrictions on internet access.
It is striking that does not mention the country’s main political axis from 2022. This has led some analysts to question the real scope of his criticism.
Kremlin response and suspicions of strategy
The impact of the video has been such that the Kremlin has responded publicly. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov assured that The Government is “working intensely” in the aforementioned problems.
However, some international media, such as The Guardianhave raised another hypothesis: that the video could be part of an indirect strategy to show Putin as a leader who listens to the people.
This approach would fit with an implicit message in Bonya’s speech: the president would not be one of the problems, but rather a victim of an environment that hides information from him.
Internal criticism and media tension
The reaction within Russia has been mixed. While some influencers, like Katya Gordon, They have amplified the message and have even spoken of possible social mobilizationfigures close to power have responded harshly.
Presenter Vladimir Soloviev, linked to state television, publicly attacked Bonya, questioning why she had not been classified as a “foreign agent.”
The paradox: a message from a forbidden network
One of the most striking aspects of the case is the chosen channel. Bonya posted her video on Instagram, a platform officially banned in Russia. This detail has been pointed out by analysts such as blogger Mikhail Nefedovwhich interprets it as a crack in the country’s information control system.
Furthermore, in recent months Moscow has tightened digital restrictionsincluding intermittent internet outages and limitations on applications such as Telegram. These measures have generated rejection even in sectors traditionally supportive of the Government.
A video that arrives at a key moment
The phenomenon coincides with a delicate political context. According to various information, Vladimir Putin’s popularity has fallen to levels not seen since the start of the war in Ukraine.
In addition, Russia is preparing for parliamentary elections at the end of the year, which increases sensitivity to any public message with social impact.
Between criticism and ambiguity
Victoria Bonya’s video moves in ambiguous terrain. On the one hand, it introduces an unusual discourse about the fear of power. On the other hand, avoid directly questioning the president and points to its environment as responsible. That ambiguity is precisely what fuels the debate: Is it a real criticism? A calculated gesture? Or a mix of both?
For now, the only thing clear is the scope: tens of millions of views and a rare public conversation in Russia.
