Inside Putin's Paranoia: Shocking Revelations from Russian Defectors
Russian authorities have reportedly weeded out 33,000 officials for perceived misconduct involving social media, including following supporters of imprisoned Kremlin foe Alexei Navalny. Out of over 30,000 officials found to have "incorrectly behaved themselves on social media," thousands were flagged for "opposition sentiments." The move was intended to determine who could be relied on for the upcoming presidential election. The Kremlin has also set up a program of "perks" to be offered in regions across the country to ensure loyalty. Putin has ordered his puppet leaders of Moscow's "new" territories to crack down on dissent and tighten the screws ahead of an upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive.