(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – Russian state aligned newspapers have expressed growing scepticism about the reliability of diplomatic agreements with the United States following developments in the Iran conflict.
A political analyst quoted in the newspaper Arguments and Facts said recent events showed that Russia could not depend on agreements with Washington to resolve international disputes. The commentary reflects a wider tone in Russian media that questions US adherence to international law.
Several publications argued that the United States initiated military action against Iran without approval from the United Nations Security Council. However, such claims contrast with international criticism of Russia’s own full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which the United Nations General Assembly said violated the UN Charter.
The newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda suggested that instead of a rapid military victory, the United States could face a prolonged and costly conflict in Iran. Analysts noted that similar observations have been made about Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Russian media also carried limited criticism of US President Donald Trump, including references to his statements on military operations. However, there has been no direct criticism of Trump from the Kremlin.
Domestic issues have also featured prominently in coverage. A mobile internet blackout in Moscow, which lasted several days, has disrupted services across the capital. Authorities cited security concerns for the restrictions, although access has gradually been restored in some areas.
Reports indicate that only applications and websites approved by the government were available during the disruption. Analysts say this approach has created tension between security priorities and the functioning of the digital economy.
The newspaper Izvestia noted that the easing of restrictions remains partial, with many services still limited. Commentators warned that efforts to promote digital development in Russia appear inconsistent with ongoing restrictions on internet access and social media platforms.
The blackout has also affected consumer behaviour. Sales of basic communication devices such as walkie talkies and older mobile phones have increased in Moscow. However, attempts to revive outdated technologies have faced practical limits, as paging systems are no longer operational following the cancellation of licences in 2023.
Public opinion surveys cited by Kommersant indicate that 57 per cent of respondents regret the collapse of the Soviet Union. This sentiment has fuelled renewed discussion about state led economic planning.
Some commentators have proposed a return to Soviet style five year plans, arguing that market driven policies have failed to deliver stability in key industries. Others, including members of parliament, have questioned whether central planning would improve economic performance under current conditions.
Historical narratives have also resurfaced. An opinion piece in Moskovsky Komsomolets criticised the leadership of Hungary during the 1956 uprising for attempting to break away from Soviet influence. The article argued that countries should not cross geopolitical boundaries defined by major powers, reflecting a perspective rooted in Soviet era policy.
