Authorities Bet on Reducing Public Discontent The Russian Presidential Administration believes that reducing the volume of criticism in the public space leads to increased trust in the government and strengthened patriotic sentiments. According to sources, a course is being pursued to lower the level of negative information both at the federal and regional levels. According to data from the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM), between 28% and 30% of Russians hear criticism of the authorities at various levels on a weekly basis, while 19–20% admit to experiencing dissatisfaction themselves. Although these figures are declining, the process is slow. The peak of public discontent in the past year occurred in August 2024, coinciding with the incursion of Ukrainian armed forces into the Kursk region. Experts believe this surge was linked to high public engagement in events related to the Special Military Operation (SMO) and the influence of war correspondents, who significantly impact the reactive moods in the country. According to media industry sources, as control over the information agenda tightens, the number of critical publications in the media and social networks continues to decrease. Even outlets that were previously considered system-loyal are losing the ability to openly criticize not only federal but also regional authorities. Within this framework, a simple logic prevails: less negativity means less public dissatisfaction. Sources speaking to Nezygar note that the most protest-prone sentiments persist in poor and depressed regions. In this regard, regional authorities actively support reducing the level of critical publications, as this contributes to increased manageability and decreased social tension. “The most active bloggers and activists are placed under surveillance by local security forces. And there are plenty of options—from fines and warnings to criminal cases. Repression has now become the most open and popular form of communication between local authorities and the discontented,” says a journalist from Yekaterinburg. According to sources close to regional administrations, the information policy strategy is gradually shaping a public perception of the inevitability of ongoing developments. Criticism of the government is becoming marginalized, and discontent is turning into a background phenomenon that does not gain public resonance. “Expressing criticism or dissatisfaction on social media now comes with a price—public apologies on camera, detention in holding cells, or even criminal charges.” At the same time, Nezygar’s sources point to the persistence of hidden conflicts within local elites. In some regions, influential groups use public discontent as a tool in their power struggles. However, the overall trend remains unchanged: control over the information environment will continue to tighten, and sources of local discontent—from regional media to bloggers and Telegram channels—will face increasing obstruction.