(MOSCOW) – Russian state aligned media hosts have urged viewers to accept growing internet restrictions, describing them as necessary and manageable despite disruption to daily life and news access.
During a broadcast on the Solovyov Live channel programme “At Dawn”, presenters Kristina Busarova and Roman Guz acknowledged widespread complaints about slowdowns and blocking of online services, including Telegram.
Addressing viewer concerns, the hosts said restrictions had caused inconvenience at work and at home. “It has become uncomfortable,” one presenter said, noting that Telegram had previously been used to gather and distribute news efficiently.
However, the presenters framed the disruption as justified. “This inconvenience preserves our lives,” one said, adding that it should be seen as a lesser problem. They encouraged audiences to adapt to new conditions, arguing that people would learn to work differently over time.
“Humans are adaptive,” the host said. “The more we adapt, the more capable we become.”
The discussion acknowledged that reduced access to platforms has affected the speed at which news is published and shared. “Operational speed suffers,” the presenters said, referring to delays in communication and reporting.
They also noted that restrictions appear to be intensifying. The hosts cited recent slowdowns in Telegram performance, including delays in sending and receiving messages and difficulties publishing video content.
“Messages were delayed or not delivered,” one presenter said, adding that video uploads had become slow and unreliable.
The programme further referenced reports that limits may be extended to home internet usage, with possible data caps under consideration.
Despite this, the presenters urged calm. “Do not be discouraged,” they told viewers, suggesting that restrictions could be endured and that information would continue to be provided through available channels.
They also relayed suggestions circulating publicly that internet access could be reduced seasonally, with some proposing disconnections during summer months to encourage outdoor activity, and restoration during winter.
“Go outside, breathe fresh air,” one presenter said, encouraging viewers to spend less time online.
Weather presenter Evgeny Tishkovets echoed the message, drawing a comparison with earlier generations. “In our childhood, there was no internet or phones,” he said. “We played sports, read books and grew up strong.”
He added that a lack of digital access had not prevented societal development, suggesting that current restrictions could be accommodated in a similar way.
The remarks come amid tighter controls over Russia’s information space as authorities seek to regulate digital platforms during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
