The Kremlin defended this Friday that in “times of war” “tough measures” and “some censorship” are necessary, in defense of the measures taken since the start of military aggression against Ukraine and resulting in the persecution of dissidents.
‘These are difficult times’Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this to an academic news channel, quoted by official news agencies.
“In times of war there must be a certain censorship and certain rules that would be unacceptable in normal, peaceful times”he added.
Peskov advised those who want to speculate and criticize the activities of the Russian armed forces to “think ten times” before expressing an opinion, and also admitted that – for the authorities – there is no clear limit on what comments be acceptable or unacceptable.
He found it “very difficult” for exiles who “try to discredit” the country to return to Russia because “the people will not accept them.”
Regarding the political future of the current president, Vladimir Putin, the spokesman stated that he will run for the March elections, saying he has “no doubt” that he will win.
Putin has not yet made official a candidacy already taken for granted by all parties, given the legal changes made to allow the leader to remain in power.
Peskov also said that whoever comes after Putin should be “like him,” in indirect support of the current policies.
Source: DN
