Russian lawmakers curb soldiers' phone use to stifle dissent

The Russian State Duma has allowed commanders to punish soldiers for using phones and other communication means. Opponents of this idea note that it may be an attempt to prevent documenting and spreading their complaints. Some voices speak of a "lack of understanding of modern warfare."

Multiple recordings on social media show Russian soldiers complaining about the state of their weaponry, the lack of food, or the general conditions in which they operate. Soldiers also often complain about the lack of payment for participating in the "special military operation."

These recordings, which often strongly impacted Russia and undermined the reputation of the Kremlin's army, did not sit well with Putin and his associates.

The Russian State Duma just passed an amendment that allows Russian commanders to punish subordinates for using personal communication and navigation devices on the front. If soldiers have videos, photos, or geolocation data on their phones, they could face 15 days of detention.

CNN recalls the massacre in the Ukrainian village of Makiivka. Almost 100 Russian soldiers died there. The Ministry of Defence stated that the primary cause of the attack was the widespread use of mobile phones by Russian soldiers.

Russian military bloggers criticized the draft law, arguing that it shows the Duma's lack of understanding of modern warfare. Russians tried to use phones to locate enemy positions. However, Kremlin authorities believe that it could endanger their military. "Now, literally every soldier needs a gadget in war. And this is not a luxury or a whim – it is a necessity dictated by time and circumstances," CNN quotes one of the bloggers.

There are also concerns that commanders may use the new regulations to settle personal disputes and silence legitimate complaints from soldiers. Soldiers often use personal devices to document and disseminate their grievances.

The law aims to ensure the safety of military personnel and military units, said the Chairman of the State Duma Defence Committee Andrey Kartapolov to the Russian news agency Interfax.