The Russian State Duma has introduced a legislative proposal aimed at curbing the use of mobile phones in combat zones, such as Ukraine.
A Significant Issue
The proposed law suggests disciplinary detention of up to 10 days for soldiers caught using devices with camera and geolocation functions in battle areas, according to Ziare.
The use of mobile phones has become a significant issue in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides have utilized these devices to locate and target each other, exploiting signal tracking, photos, and messages.
The proposed legislation, backed by the Duma’s Defense Committee, seeks to address these security concerns by classifying the use of such electronics for "domestic purposes" — including filming, recording audio, and transmitting geodata — as a serious disciplinary infraction.
Disciplinary Detention
Under the new bill, military commanders would have the authority to impose disciplinary detention of up to 10 days for violations deemed severe. This move comes in response to security reports indicating that unauthorized use of mobile phones has led to catastrophic consequences.
For instance, a Ukrainian rocket attack in 2023 targeted a Russian-controlled vocational school in Donetsk, killing nearly 100 soldiers. This attack was facilitated by the use of mobile phones, which allowed Ukrainian forces to pinpoint the location of Russian troops.
The legislation also targets the dissemination of information that could reveal the identities or locations of Russian military personnel. The Duma’s bill aims to prevent such breaches, reflecting growing concerns over operational security in the conflict.
