Take a photo of a Ukrainian drone - face a 1 million rouble fine
As more Ukrainian attacks loom, regional authorities in Murmansk, northern Russia, are officially banning footage of drone strikes and air defence activity.
People Murmansk region are now officially prohibited from filming or publishing online information about military activity or the aftermath of drone attacks.
The new restrictions were introduced under a decree signed by governor Andrei Chibis.
The ban applies to all publications in the media, on social media, in messaging apps and online chats, including photographs, videos and text posts containing information about attacks and their consequences, as well as the use or crash of drones—whether aerial, naval or underwater—missiles and other weapons. It is also prohibited to disclose launch or impact locations, flight paths, intended targets or the extent of damage caused.
The decree also prohibits reporting on the operation of air defence and electronic warfare systems. This includes publishing footage or information showing attempts to counter drones, as well as the activities of air defence and electronic warfare units.
In addition, the restrictions cover information relating to military and critical infrastructure. It is now forbidden to publish material revealing the deployment of troops, the activities of law enforcement agencies, the location of military facilities, communications infrastructure, bridges, ports, industrial sites and fuel and energy facilities, as well as any damage sustained by such sites.
The only exemption applies to official state bodies and local authorities, which remain authorised to publish official statements and verified information.
Violations will be monitored by the regional Ministry of Information Policy and the Regional Management Centre. Fines for breaches of the new rules can reach 1 million roubles (€11,200).
As previously reported by the Barents Observer, similar restrictions are due to come into force in the Yamal-Nenets region on 1 August.
