In mid-October 2023, russia’s Ministry of Education and Science reportedly instructed universities to avoid open discussion of any “negative political, economic and social trends” in russia during academic activities, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
This constitutes a further restriction of the information space in wartime russia, making it more difficult to openly discuss policy issues. In the longer term, this will likely further the trend of russian policy-making taking place in an echo chamber of politically acceptable, pro-Kremlin perspectives.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: russian Brigades Suffered Some of the Highest Casualties in 2023 Near Avdiivka
It is highly likely that the Kremlin wishes to further suppress negative perspectives on the war in the run up to President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated bid for re-election in March 2024.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Reports on russia’s Plans after a Month of Silence in Cruise Missile Strikes
