Moscow Bans Public Social Media Posts on Drone Strike Damage

Moscow authorities have implemented a strict ban prohibiting residents, media outlets, emergency services, and most government agencies from posting text, photos, or videos regarding the aftermath of Ukrainian drone strikes. According to a statement from Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s office, only the Russian Defense Ministry and the mayor’s official channels are permitted to disseminate such information. The measure, adopted by the capital's Anti-Terrorism Commission, aims to prevent the spread of false information. Violators face significant fines: up to 5,000 rubles for individuals, 50,000 rubles for officials, and 200,000 rubles for legal entities. This restriction comes as Ukraine intensifies long-range drone attacks on Moscow, particularly around the annual Victory Day parade. Previously, citizen-generated footage served as a crucial verification tool for open-source investigators and Ukrainian military units to assess damage. The ban effectively centralizes information control, limiting public visibility of explosions and fires. This move mirrors similar restrictions imposed in the United Arab Emirates during recent regional conflicts. The crackdown highlights the Kremlin's efforts to manage domestic narratives and obscure the tangible impacts of the war on Russian soil, restricting independent verification of attack consequences.