Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
According to the Institute for the Study of War, it is likely part of a plan to influence public perception ahead of the September elections.
Controlling public opinion is a delicate balancing act for any political leadership trying to secure an upcoming vote.
When unpopular policies cause a backlash, the standard playbook often shifts from changing the rules to changing the conversation.
In the modern digital age, managing the mood of a nation is all about controlling the exact words people see on their screens, and that is exactly what the Kremlin is trying to do in Russia as the war in Ukraine drags on.
Widespread outages affecting mobile internet, along with the banning of several apps — including the widely used Telegram and WhatsApp — have been accompanied by the introduction of a state-controlled positive filtering system implemented by the Digital Development Ministry and telecom regulators, described as a “white list.”
Of course, Russian media is reporting on these developments, including Kremlin-friendly outlets and agencies. But it seems that the Kremlin now wants to impose even more control over the narrative.
Words to avoid
According to the independent Russian news outlet Meduza, the political bloc of the presidential administration recently issued a bizarre directive to state-run newsrooms.
Officials told pro-government media outlets to avoid using the word “ban” in their articles. Reporting on May 21, Meduza cited three anonymous employees who confirmed the new vocabulary rules.
Instead of focusing on restrictions, outlets must now reduce their coverage of government fines and crackdowns on free speech.
Even so, the media is perfectly free to cover decisions whenever the state chooses to lift a ban.
A therapeutic boost
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), this strategic shift aims to protect the public image of the ruling United Russia party.
The reason is simple. With the crucial State Duma elections scheduled for September 2026, the Kremlin wants to ensure a smooth victory.
The presidential administration expects media outlets to highlight “positive and therapeutic” initiatives from the party instead. This includes heavily promoting party members whenever they speak out against state prohibitions.
Following this strategy, United Russia General Council Secretary Vladimir Yakushev made a public statement on May 19. He insisted that the political group is not a “party of prohibitions” and works to explain why the state should avoid censorship.
Brutal speech crackdowns
This major rebranding effort comes as President Vladimir Putin faces a noticeable decline in public support. Recent government actions have heavily restricted access to virtual private networks, known as VPNs, as well as foreign messaging platforms.
These digital barriers are causing severe disruptions to the daily lives of ordinary Russian citizens. By choking mobile internet access, the state has triggered a wave of domestic frustration.
While the public sees a gentler media image, the real crackdowns remain incredibly harsh. Security forces regularly silence critical military bloggers.
To suppress dissent, authorities either imprison these commentators or send them to dangerous frontline assault units in Ukraine.
Sources: Meduza, statement by United Russia General Council Secretary Vladimir Yakushev, Institute for the Study of War
