According to state media TASS, the Russian soldiers who are caught using smartphones during the fighting in Ukraine may face punishment as proposed by Russia's lower house of parliament, due to concerns that electronic devices can expose their location in the battlefield.
A proposed bill, backed by the State Duma Committee on Defense, suggests that having internet-capable cell phones with data capable of identifying Russian troops or force locations will be considered a serious offense, leading to potential punishment of up to 10 days of arrest. Committing numerous violations could result in a maximum of 15 days in custody.
The legislation would also ban the use of any other electronic gadgets designed for "domestic activities" that permit video and audio recording and the sharing of geolocation information.
It has been reported that both Russian and Ukrainian militaries have utilized enemy cell phones to locate targets in the war, extracting information from photos and messages to trace coordinates and carry out assaults.
Last year, the United States and its intelligence allies from the "Five Eyes" – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom – cautioned that Russian military hackers were focusing on Ukrainian soldiers' mobile devices to acquire critical battlefield data.
The SBU of Ukraine also determined that Russian hackers attempted to penetrate the Android tablets utilized by the Ukrainian military for carrying out combat missions by employing malicious code to extract data transmitted to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system, which is essential for Ukraine's battlefield communications.
Following a Ukrainian attack that resulted in the death of almost 100 Russian soldiers in the occupied Ukrainian town of Makiivka on New Year's Day last year, Russia's Defense Ministry attributed the "primary reason" for the attack to the extensive use of cell phones by Russian troops, though some officials raised doubts about this explanation.
While the Kremlin has recognized the dangers of soldiers having cell phones, Russian military bloggers have condemned the proposed law, arguing that it indicates the Duma's ignorance of contemporary warfare.
On Monday, a blogger named "Obsessed with the Z War" wrote on Telegram that the bosses are living on a different planet.
Another blogger, Veteran Records, mentioned that in modern warfare, every soldier requires a gadget, not just specialized individuals. And this is not a luxury or a fancy desire - it is an essential need prompted by timing and circumstances."
Instead of devices like smartphones that are uncontrolled, the blogger recommended developing a controlled gadget that would not disclose confidential battlefield data. They suggested turning to the Chinese if we are unable to invent a device on our own, believing they are willing to do anything in exchange for money.
Russian soldiers are currently not allowed to publicly disclose information that could expose the identity or whereabouts of military personnel.
In Russia's legislative process, draft laws are first reviewed by the Duma before moving on to the Federation Council. The Duma's laws cannot be changed by the Council, only approved or denied.
While the Kremlin has recognized the dangers of soldiers having cell phones, Russian military bloggers have condemned the proposed law, arguing that it indicates the Duma's ignorance of contemporary warfare.
On Monday, a blogger named "Obsessed with the Z War" wrote on Telegram that the bosses are living on a different planet.
Another blogger, Veteran Records, mentioned that in modern warfare, every soldier requires a gadget, not just specialized individuals. And this is not a luxury or a fancy desire - it is an essential need prompted by timing and circumstances."
Instead of devices like smartphones that are uncontrolled, the blogger recommended developing a controlled gadget that would not disclose confidential battlefield data. They suggested turning to the Chinese if we are unable to invent a device on our own, believing they are willing to do anything in exchange for money.
Russian soldiers are currently not allowed to publicly disclose information that could expose the identity or whereabouts of military personnel.
In Russia's legislative process, draft laws are first reviewed by the Duma before moving on to the Federation Council. The Duma's laws cannot be changed by the Council, only approved or denied.
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