Russia to crack down on troops using phones in Ukraine combat
Source: Reuters
Going to jail over a mobile phone? Russia’s lower house of parliament, the Duma, has proposed disciplinary detention for up to 10 days for its troops figthing in Ukraine in cases of unauthorized use of mobile phones that have photo, video, and geolocation functions in combat zones such as Ukraine, according to a report by Russia’s state TASS news agency.
Green-lit by the State Duma Defence Committee, a draft law will resrict the use of such electronic devices while in the combat zone in Ukraine, and violation of this policy will be classified as gross disciplinary offence.
If approved, the policy will allow military commanders of military units to punish soldiers with 10 days’ arrest.
A 2024 report by Enea cybersecurity software firm has revealed that mobile phones are easily tracked on the battlefield in numerous ways in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Rinat Akhmetov’s military initiative, “Steel Front”, has delivered a batch of drones worth UAH 214 million to the 1st “Azov” Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine. This shipment is part of the Metinvest Group’s ongoing support for the unit in 2025.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.