Kremlin blocks Internet to control mass mobilization

ISW analysts believe that Kremlin attacks on Telegram and other messengers are preparing the ground for total control of the information space in Russia amid a possible mass mobilization. The FSB has put Pavel Durov on the international wanted list, and in the State Duma there are calls to recognize Telegram as a 'terrorist resource'.

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in a new report argue that Kremlin attacks on Telegram and other messengers are preparation for total control of the information space in Russia amid mass mobilization. The Russian leadership is likely creating legal and informational preconditions to restrict Telegram's operation and strengthen control over the internet. One of the latest episodes of the campaign was the FSB's decision on July 29 to put Telegram co-founder and CEO Pavel Durov on the international wanted list. Security forces claim he allegedly facilitated terrorist activity by refusing to remove channels that, according to the FSB, were used by Ukrainian intelligence services. In the State Duma, member of the defense committee Andrei Kolesnik allowed for the possibility of recognizing Telegram as a 'terrorist resource'. ISW notes that the Kremlin uses the fight against terrorism to strengthen censorship. Experts believe that the persecution of Durov may be part of a strategy to block Telegram and control public reaction in the event of a new mobilization.