The Kremlin has reportedly instructed state-controlled media to significantly reduce coverage of the aftermath of Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory. The Russian outlet Verstka, citing three sources familiar with the matter, says the directive was issued by the presidential administration in late June.
According to the sources, media outlets were told to stop publishing photos and videos showing damage caused by Ukrainian attacks and instead focus on reporting the results of Russian strikes against Ukraine.
Following the order, several major Russian Telegram channels, including Mash, Baza, and Shot, sharply reduced or completely stopped reporting on attacks inside Russia. Strikes on oil refineries in Slavyansk-on-Kuban and Kstovo, as well as a defense plant in Penza, received little or no coverage. Some previously published images and videos of attacks on Moscow were also removed.
The sources added that similar media restrictions have already been in place in several Russian regions for some time, while some Kremlin hardliners are reportedly pushing for criminal penalties for publishing such content. Earlier on July 6, Ukrainian forces struck two Russian oil refineries, a missile brigade deployment site, and an oil products transshipment terminal in occupied Crimea.
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