Newsletters
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday accused the Kremlin of restricting internet access and free communication in Russia to hide worsening economic conditions as sanctions over the Ukraine war continue to pressure Moscow.
Speaking to EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, von der Leyen said the consequences of Russia’s war were increasingly affecting ordinary Russians through rising inflation and high interest rates.
“With inflation increasing and interest rates skyrocketing, the consequences of Russia's war of choice are also being paid for out of the Russian people's pockets,” von der Leyen said.
“So much so that the Kremlin responds... by restricting the internet and free communication,” she added.
Von der Leyen said Russians were again living behind an Iron Curtain, but this time in digital form.
“Russians feel that they live behind an Iron Curtain again, this time a digital Iron Curtain,” she said.
“If history has one lesson, it's that all worlds eventually fall,” she added.
2 min read
Russian authorities have recently stepped up efforts to control internet access across the country.
The measures include throttling messenger apps Telegram and WhatsApp, tightening restrictions on virtual private networks, or VPNs, and imposing internet blackouts.
The shutdowns, including in the capital Moscow, have caused rare public discontent after years of Kremlin restrictions on free speech.
Since sending troops into Ukraine, Russia has tightened rules against public dissent. Authorities have outlawed criticism of the Kremlin and the Russian army through strict military censorship laws.
The European Union last week approved a major loan for Ukraine and imposed a new sanctions package on Moscow after months of delay.
The latest economic sanctions are the 20th package adopted by the 27-nation bloc since Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine in 2022.
Russia’s economy has so far largely withstood the economic pressure, but EU officials say signs of strain are increasingly emerging.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
