"Uncertainty" among Russian officials as arrests continue for blue and yellow colors - British intelligence

Ukrinform
In Russia, repressions are further unfolding over the public display of blue and yellow colors against the background of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which emphasizes insecurity among Russian officials.

That’s according to the British Ministry of Defense referring to intelligence data, Ukrinform reports.

As noted, local Russian security officials are likely interpreting "Russia's draconian wartime legislation to mean that public display of blue and yellow items is outlawed because it might evidence discreet support for Ukraine."

On May 9, a care home worker was arrested for wearing a blue and yellow jacket to work.

In recent days, Russian National Guard troops arrested a 22-year-old man in Volkhov near St. Petersburg for displaying which was eventually determined to be the blue and yellow flag of Russia’s own Aerospace Forces.

Read also: Intelligence considers rebellion in Russia possible

"The clampdown highlights uncertainty within a paranoid Russian officialdom of what is and is deemed permissible within an increasingly totalitarian system. Criticism of the arrests has come from an unexpected quarter: the ultra-nationalist, pro-war Liberal Democratic party. The party's own branding features yellow on a blue background."

As Ukrinform reported earlier, in their previous update, British intelligence analysts noted that, despite their growing importance in Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, the combat readiness of the Russian Airborne Assault Forces has significantly deteriorated compared to their "elite" status before the invasion of Ukraine.

While citing and using any materials on the Internet, links to the website ukrinform.net not lower than the first paragraph are mandatory. In addition, citing the translated materials of foreign media outlets is possible only if there is a link to the website ukrinform.net and to the website of a foreign media outlet. Citing and using materials in offline media, mobile apps, Smart TV are allowed only with written permission from Ukrinform. News and publications marked as "Advertisement" and "PR" and articles in the section "Releases" include promoted content, and an advertiser is responsible for the content.

© 2015-2024 Ukrinform. All rights reserved.

Website design Studio Laconica

Extended searchHide extended search
By period:
-