United Russia coaches deputies to justify internet restrictions by citing an ‘information-psychological war’

United Russia has prepared a pamphlet titled “A Dozen Tough Questions for UR,” coaching deputies and campaign workers on how to deflect criticism of the party ahead of elections. The Russian business daily Kommersant reviewed the booklet.

Among the questions the pamphlet’s authors expect voters to raise is one about internet restrictions and Telegram. The booklet frames it this way: “Why has UR become the party of bans, supporting restrictions on Telegram, shutting down the internet, and strangling freedom of speech?”

Deputies and United Russia supporters are advised to respond: “And why is it, then, that the idea that UR ‘strangles freedom of speech’ is permitted to be freely shouted from every corner and channel?” They should also add, the pamphlet says, that the party has “always stood for freedom of speech,” even despite the “information-psychological war.”

The pamphlet’s authors suggest invoking the consequences of that war — terrorist attacks and arsons committed by teenagers, as well as fraud targeting pensioners — to argue that restrictions are unavoidable.

A separate question concerns the party’s ideology, which the pamphlet says should be presented as a “firm rejection of the dictates of some for the benefit of others.” Without United Russia, “certain ‘bosses’ would long ago have established a 12-hour workday and a six-day workweek,” the booklet states.

On the question “Why does UR say that only it is Putin’s party, when others also support the president?” the authors advise reminding voters that “UR became the instrument of the president, with whose help he began the revival of the country from chaos.”

Other parties, United Russia members are told to say, “in words are patriots and support the president,” but “as soon as problems arise or difficult decisions are required, they remember that they are the opposition.”

In September 2026, Russia will hold elections at various levels, including elections to the State Duma of the ninth convocation — the first parliamentary vote in the country since the start of the full-scale Russia-Ukraine war. As Meduza has reported, United Russia’s ratings are falling amid an economic crisis, rising prices, and internet restrictions.