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The Kremlin is intensifying control over Russia’s population amid growing concerns that the domestic consequences of the war against Ukraine could fuel public discontent, according to Estonian military intelligence, UATV English reports.
Col. Ants Kiviselg, head of the Intelligence Center of the Estonian Defence Forces, said Moscow is expanding repressive measures as the effects of the war become increasingly visible inside Russia.
According to Kiviselg, rising social tensions could influence Russia’s State Duma elections scheduled for September. He noted that fuel shortages continue to spread across the country and are worsening following successive Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
As economic and logistical problems deepen, the Kremlin is resorting to increasingly restrictive measures to maintain control over society and prevent potential unrest, the Estonian intelligence chief said.
His assessment comes amid growing indications that the Russian authorities are strengthening internal security measures while seeking to limit the political and social consequences of the war at home.
Earlier, reports also indicated that Russian occupation authorities in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories continue policies aimed at integrating children into the Russian education system, which international observers say undermines their right to education and may be intended to erase their Ukrainian national identity.
