Instagram was blocked in Russia shortly after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. But Russian users never really left — and their posts have been growing increasingly political. Frustrated by internet outages, rising food prices, and other social problems, users are publishing more and more content critical of the authorities, whether directly or indirectly, through jokes and memes. What exactly are they angry about? Here are a few examples.

Warning: this piece contains a lot of profanity.

Food has gotten more expensive

Ground beef — 1,803 rubles. A pastry — 1,105.

Not enough money even for cucumbers

— Hello, I want to take out a loan.

— What for? A car? An apartment?

— No, for cucumbers.

Utilities haven’t gotten any cheaper either

Utility bills are going up 40 percent. Are you out of your fucking minds? My mom’s pension is 14,000 rubles. My dad’s is 17,000. And utilities run about 10,000. What are they supposed to eat?

And then they cut off the internet

I can’t take what these out-of-touch idiots are doing to us. I live in a remote village.

For a week, my kids couldn’t log in to school because they’re blocking mobile internet. Look at my electricity bills — we don’t have gas in the village, it’s not on any gasification plan — so to pay those bills, I have to work. And I can’t work because they’re blocking our internet.

Maybe it’s time to leave?

Here’s what I think: if Russia doesn’t need me — my knowledge, my ten years of experience — I’ll probably go to the old man’s place, to Belarus, to help my Belarusian brothers. I’ll go live under a dictator then.

Because there’s no way to live without a connection (note: this is an intercom conversation)

— Good day! You’re booked for a massage.

— Thank you, I’ll be there.

But you can always install Max

— Hello, is this the FSB?

— Yes, what is it?

— Tell me, are you listening in on me?

— What do you care?

— Well, I was just at the gynecologist, and I can’t remember what time my appointment is tomorrow.

— You weren’t at the gynecologist, you were at the breast specialist, and your appointment tomorrow is at 3 p.m.

And what about money?

I’m a business owner, and this year I’m completely fed the fuck up.

If your business made it to February 2026, you’re a legend.

And who’s to blame?

Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich! I am the most loyal part of this country. But even my patience is running out. How far do they have to push people? They do whatever they want. I want our government to resign. All of them. Because this is impossible.

Cover photo: Nikolas Kokovlis / NurPhoto / Getty Images