Ursula von der Leyen accuses the Kremlin of restricting access to the internet to hide the deterioration of economic conditions in Russia

The head of the European Commission accused the Kremlin on Wednesday of restricting internet access to hide the economic deterioration in Russia, caused by the sanctions imposed following the war in Ukraine. She emphasized that inflation and rising interest rates directly affect the Russian population, stating that Russians feel they are living once again behind a "Iron Curtain," this time digital.

Russian authorities have intensified control over internet access, limiting messaging applications and imposing restrictions on VPN networks. These measures have generated rare public displays of discontent, and the Kremlin has intensified censorship against its critics. Last week, the European Union approved a significant loan for Ukraine and imposed a new package of sanctions against Moscow, highlighting that although the Russian economy has withstood until now, signs of weakness are becoming increasingly evident.