Putin's social media restrictions may signal preparation for wider mobilization — Zelenskyy
Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: president.gov.ua)
Russia restricts access to social media not in order to limit criticism of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. One possible reason may be preparations for a large-scale mobilization, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a national telethon.
He suggested that restricting Russians' access to social media is not intended to suppress criticism of the head of state, but to prevent potential unrest.
"What could cause unrest in our northern neighbor? In my view, there are a few possible reasons. First and foremost, a general mobilization. A large-scale mobilization in Russia. This is the mobilization of people from major cities, including Moscow and, of course, Saint Petersburg," the president said.
Regarding the purpose of such mobilization, Zelenskyy named two possible scenarios — either an offensive against Ukraine or an attack on another country.
"Why carry out such a large mobilization? To repeat an offensive, a large offensive against Ukraine. Option B is to launch a parallel, smaller offensive somewhere where fewer troops are required," he said.
#Zelenskyy reveals reasons behind #social media restrictions in #Russia pic.twitter.com/IUzmTvrxDu
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) April 19, 2026
The president added that another country, for example, in the Baltic region, would not be prepared for strong resistance because it is small.
"So plan A is a large mobilization, limiting social media in order to conduct an offensive. And where to? I think they have several options," he said.
Earlier, on April 17, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia would attempt to drag Belarus into the war against Ukraine. According to intelligence data, Minsk is already building roads toward Ukrainian territory and developing artillery positions.
Also, the Center for Countering Disinformation (under Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council) reported that the Kremlin considers at least three scenarios for the war in Ukraine. Moscow is simultaneously working on options ranging from continuing hostilities to freezing the conflict and conducting hybrid aggression against NATO countries.
