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The Kremlin<\/a> is further restricting the information space in wartime Russia, making it more difficult to openly discuss political issues, reads the Oct. 29 UK Defense Intelligence report<\/a> on the situation in Russia\u2019s war on Ukraine.<\/p>\n In mid-October 2023, Russia\u2019s Education and Science Ministry reportedly instructed universities to avoid open discussion of any \u201cnegative political, economic and social trends\u201d in Russia during academic activities.<\/p>\n Read also:<\/b> Russia’s use of Storm-Z units, expected focus of Putin’s upcoming re-election campaign messaging <\/a><\/p>\n 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, the UK Defense Intelligence report reads.<\/p>\n It is highly likely that the Kremlin wishes to further suppress negative perspectives on the \u201cspecial military operation\u201d in the run up to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin\u2019s anticipated bid for re-election in March 2024, the report goes on.<\/p>\n Read also:<\/b> Kremlin betting on global chaos to divide Western attention <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cSpecial military operation\u201d is a propaganda euphemism used in Russia to refer to Russia\u2019s war of aggression on Ukraine since February 2022. It is illegal in Russia to term the Kremlin\u2019s full-scale invasion and war against Ukraine as \u201ca war.\u201d<\/p>\n After his last election as president in 2018, Putin said he would not run for president in 2024. However, in June 2022 the Kremlin held a referendum on constitutional amendments, backed by 78.56% of voters, to grant Putin the right to two more six-year terms as president.<\/p>\n Putin also signed a bill on Dec. 22, 2020 giving lifelong immunity from prosecution for former Russian presidents.<\/p>\n Past Russian votes have in the past been frequently criticized by international observers as not being free or fair.<\/p>\n We\u2019re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support<\/a> us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron<\/a>! <\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n