Russian-installed antennas in occupied zones monitor locals
Russians collect personal data through antenna installations (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, Russian authorities are actively promoting Russkiy Mir satellite kits, replacing Ukrainian equipment and restricting residents’ access exclusively to Russian television, according to a publication by the National Resistance Center.
Russian administrations in eastern Ukraine have launched a large-scale campaign to install satellite antennas broadcasting only Russian TV channels. Official statements report that over 5,000 such kits were installed in just one month.
Residents are promised a free replacement of old equipment, but in reality, this is a centralized program aimed at displacing Ukrainian content and creating informational dependence among the population.
Coordination and forced participation
According to sources, the operation is managed through the so-called Ministry of Communications of the LPR (Luhansk People's Republic) with the involvement of specialists from Rostov-on-Don. The installation of the systems is carried out by local municipal workers and public-sector employees, who are compelled to participate under threat of dismissal.
Each installed kit is registered, recording the address, passport details, and phone number of the owner, enabling the occupying authorities to compile detailed databases of residents.
Problems and covert resistance among the population
Residents report that the new equipment often malfunctions, and the signal completely disappears during news segments about Russian army losses. Additionally, several channels are blocked.
Many families attempt to keep their old Ukrainian antennas or access Ukrainian broadcasts via VPN to receive independent information.
Objective – clearing the information space
According to reports, the new wave of combating hostile television began in September following an inspection by specialists from Russia’s RTRS. They found that Ukrainian transmitters in the Luhansk region were still operational and could not be jammed.
In response, local administrations were ordered to carry out an airwave purge - replacing every antenna receiving Ukrainian signals with equipment that retransmits only Russian channels.
The Russian authorities have received official permission to seize property belonging to Ukrainian citizens in temporarily occupied territories, including residential and commercial properties, which can now be declared ownerless and transferred to state ownership.
Additionally, during an official visit to Russia, a Romanian Member of the European Parliament made a sharp statement criticizing Ukraine and its leadership, which caused public controversy.
