The Russian government has launched an online bot campaign to defend recent steep utility rate increases, which have sparked public debate. The automated messages, disseminated through social media platforms, typically frame the rate hikes as routine and necessary, emphasizing that they are justified by the need to maintain infrastructure and provide essential services. The Kremlin’s messaging often highlights that citizens’ wages are also increasing, aligning the rate adjustments with broader economic trends.
The bot campaign is part of a broader effort to maintain public support for the government’s economic policies. Officials argue that the rate increases are essential to fund modernization projects and ensure the sustainability of utility services. However, critics and opposition groups have raised concerns about the impact on low-income households and the potential for price gouging. The Kremlin’s strategy underscores the role of state influence in shaping public opinion and managing economic narratives in the country.