Zelenskyy linked the blocking of social media in Russia to preparations for a large-scale mobilization
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that the intensification of digital isolation in Russia and the widespread blocking of foreign messaging apps are part of preparations for the announcement of a general mobilization.
During a national telethon, he stated that the Kremlin is attempting to preemptively suppress potential protests that will inevitably arise due to mass conscription in major cities.
According to the head of state, restricting access to information is aimed not so much at protecting the personal popularity ratings of the Russian leadership as at preventing large-scale riots.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that shutting down social media is a strategic tool for controlling the population before making extremely unpopular decisions that will affect residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The president identified two main scenarios for which the aggressor may need new manpower.
The first scenario involves organizing a second large-scale offensive into Ukrainian territory, which would require significantly reinforcing the occupying forces.
The second scenario (“Option B”) involves conducting a small-scale parallel operation against one of the Baltic states—Latvia, Lithuania, or Estonia.
The head of state explained that such actions could be aimed at testing the Alliance’s effectiveness and the readiness of Western partners for direct military confrontation.
“Restricting access to social media in Russia is not about limiting criticism of the head of state, but, in my view, the deeper goal is to prevent riots. What could trigger riots in our northern neighbor? First—general mobilization,” noted the President of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that the Russian dictator is closely monitoring NATO’s reaction to potential threats.
He expressed his conviction that in the event of an attack on the Baltic region, the alliance would have no choice but to deliver a consolidated response to the aggressor.
“They will need to unite and respond to what Putin might potentially do. Otherwise, they simply won’t have an alliance anymore,” the head of state concluded.
Attempts to isolate the Russian internet, he said, are a direct indicator that the Kremlin’s “Plan A” is already in the active preparation stage.
Russia has launched a covert forced mobilization due to a shortage of recruits
Russian troop losses have reached record levels and exceeded their monthly mobilization rate.
