Vladimir Putin refuses to use internet and relies on physical documents, report says
- The president avoids going online as he is afraid people will spy on him, the article says, citing US and Russian officials; Putin does not use a smartphone
- The dependence on physical documents means time-sensitive materials – including Ukraine war updates – could be out of date by the time he gets them
Russian President Vladimir Putin has historically avoided using the internet because he is worried that people may spy on his activity, according to a new report.
Citing US and Russian officials, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the Russian leader has long refused to be online, fearing digital surveillance.
In doing so, he has become reliant on physical documents provided by advisers – including time-sensitive material.
Updates on his unprovoked war in Ukraine, for example, could take days to reach Putin and may be out of date by the time they arrive, the report said.
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Putin downplays importance of US support for Ukraine, says Russia wants to end war
According to the Journal, battlefield information starts with commanders on the front lines, who send it to the Federal Security Service (FSB), which gives it to the Security Council of Russia.