Russian Elites Feel State’s Weakness, Economist Says

Internet restrictions in Russia are fueling discontent among the country’s wealthiest and most powerful citizens, according to economist Alexandra Propenko. In an interview with Le Monde, Propenko explained that these limits on online freedom have created a new political atmosphere. “The elites feel the state’s powerlessness to protect them,” she said. The restrictions, she argued, are sparking frustration even among privileged layers of society who once felt secure.