Journalists in Russia face up to fifteen years in prison if they call the war a war.
They have to describe the attack on Ukraine in Putin's Newspeak as "special operations", which, given the situation on the battlefields in the neighboring country, is not only a mockery of the Ukrainians, but even of the Russian soldiers deployed there.
Until a few days ago, there were still a few niches for the free press in Russia, but these are now being closed with the same abandon that characterizes military action.
Russia's transformation into an Orwellian surveillance state is proceeding at breathtaking speed.
Desired total control
The desired total control over the media shows that Putin's regime is no longer just fighting for control of Ukraine, but also for its own survival.
It is not without reason that the Kremlin spokesman felt compelled to publicly call on the population to support the president.
Unlike in China, for example, the Russian leadership has not yet had its country completely under control.
If the effects of Western sanctions are felt across the board, it does not mean that Russian society, not least the elite, will accept further tightening of the thumbscrews.
The situation in Moscow could become as volatile as that in Kyiv in the coming days and weeks.