By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a recent interview, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that Russia is currently under military censorship, a measure deemed justifiable to prevent the discrediting of Russia. Peskov highlighted a shift in Russian media, with an increase in “patriotic materials” and a decrease in skepticism, as a result of this censorship. This shift, enforced by laws introduced after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has led to the closure of numerous independent media outlets and the exile of many journalists. Despite criticism from human rights groups, the Russian Constitutional Court has upheld the legality of these wartime censorship laws, solidifying the crackdown on dissent.
Read the original article here
Kremlin spokesperson admits Russia currently in a ‘period of military censorship’, and let’s be honest, this revelation isn’t exactly shocking, is it? It’s more of a confirmation, a formal acknowledgment of something many have suspected, and some have known for quite some time. This isn’t just military censorship; it bleeds into the social, economic, and political spheres. The control isn’t limited to battlefield reports; it permeates almost every aspect of information dissemination. The idea of complete transparency, in this environment, seems like a distant dream. It’s a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to in order to control the narrative.
This admission becomes even more poignant when you consider the previous denials and distortions. Remember the claims about the Moskva, the flagship that supposedly never sank? Or the insistence that Kherson remained under Russian control even as Ukrainian troops celebrated their victory in the city center? These are just a few examples of the reality of the situation: a deliberate attempt to shape public perception, to craft a narrative that serves a specific agenda. These instances of blatant misinformation solidify the need for, and the existence of, this censorship.
The spokesperson, in a classic display of doublespeak, also expressed the idea that one day, there would be a desire for a “less harsh media landscape,” which would somehow magically lead to “more nuanced journalism.” The irony isn’t lost on anyone, of course. It’s like promising sunshine after deliberately clouding the skies. It is an attempt to provide some glimmer of hope, but it is so unconvincing. The reality is, the current situation isn’t merely harsh; it’s a complete system of control. The concept of “nuanced journalism” seems absurd in this environment.
Looking back, one could argue that Russia has been in a state of censorship for, well, forever. When has there truly been free speech? Article 29 of the Russian constitution explicitly prohibits censorship, which just highlights how much these authorities care about the laws they are supposed to uphold. It’s a pretty blatant disregard for the legal framework, which further emphasizes the depth and extent of control. The system seems designed to keep the populace in the dark, to ensure that they only know what they are permitted to know, lest they “get uppity” and start questioning the narrative.
The situation is reminiscent of the classic “Back in the USSR” scenario: believe only what you are told, discuss nothing, trust no one. The idea of a secret police, potentially consisting of anyone, further contributes to a climate of fear and self-censorship. This is about more than simply controlling information; it’s about shaping the very thoughts and beliefs of the population.
It’s worth noting that the current period of censorship isn’t just a recent development; the situation has been in place on a “geologic timescale,” as one might say. There’s a dark, long history of control. It’s a continuous cycle, with each period seemingly finding a way to become worse than the last. As they say, “And then it got worse.” That saying feels like the perfect summation of Russian history, doesn’t it?
The implications of this censorship are severe. Consider the numbers; the deliberate censorship of official death numbers related to the war. The calculation of death rate minus birth rate, coupled with excess deaths due to the conflict, results in an annual population reduction estimated to be close to one million people. If there had been no wars in Russia over the last 100 years, it is possible the population could be around 200-250 million. This is a chilling reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of honest reporting.
The impact of censorship is vast and multifaceted. It affects not only the immediate context of the war but also the broader understanding of history and society. It’s an attempt to rewrite the past and control the future. The state, in this instance, gains nothing from transparency and risks a lot. This is the unfortunate reality.
The admission of military censorship might be presented as a new development, but in the grand scheme of things, it is simply an intensification of something that has been there all along. It’s another layer in a carefully constructed facade, designed to maintain power and control at all costs. One can only hope that the desire for a “less harsh media landscape” becomes a reality soon, but in the meantime, the world must remain aware and vigilant, and hopefully, the truth will find a way to break through.