Russia's Crackdown on Criticism of Military Operations Intensifies

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that imposes lengthy prison terms for "discrediting" and spreading "fake" information about any force, including the Wagner Group mercenary unit, fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The new legislation makes it a crime to publicly criticize or spread so-called "false information" about volunteer forces as well as private mercenary units. Violators face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 rubles (nearly $4,000) for "public actions" aimed at "discrediting...volunteer formations, organizations or individuals" aiding the Russian military.