Reuters: Kremlin Nervous In Anticipation Of Mass Protests
16- 21.03.2026, 23:14
- 19,608
Russian officials remember what happened when Moscow stopped a major war in Afghanistan.
The Kremlin is tightening its control over society and the Internet space, preparing for possible protests after the war against Ukraine ends.
Reuters reports Reuters.
Strengthening control over the Internet
Russia is recording further tightening of restrictions in the digital space.
The authorities are increasing pressure on users and services, which is accompanied by blockades of popular platforms and mobile internet outages in major cities.
"Office workers struggle with blocked internet. Teenagers are constantly forced to change VPNs. Cab drivers are trying to navigate Moscow without online navigation," the publication notes.
Official explanations for the restrictions
The Kremlin attributes such measures to the refusal of Western IT companies to cooperate with Russian structures.
It is also stated that the communication blackouts allegedly prevent Ukrainian drones from striking objects in the rear.
Expanding the powers of law enforcers
At the same time, new laws are adopted that strengthen the influence of intelligence services.
In particular, mobile operators are obliged to disconnect subscribers at the request of the FSB, and the agency itself is given the right to form a network of its own detention centers.
Preparing for possible protests
The diplomats said such moves are part of a broader strategy to keep control of the population amid a protracted war.
Sources indicate that the Kremlin fears a decline in support for the government and is preparing for likely outbursts of discontent.
One of the interlocutors noted that resources have already been formed to launch a "major crackdown" on the Internet.
Lessons from the past and external examples
"Russian leaders and security services remember 1991, and they remember what happened to Russia and what happened to them when Moscow stopped the big war in Afghanistan: the country collapsed, the security services split - it was a disaster," said Russian investigative journalist and security services expert Andrey Soldatov.
In his opinion, the authorities are seeking to avoid such a scenario both if the war ends and if it drags on.
Russia is also studying and implementing control practices used in China and Iran, according to sources.
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