New troops for the information war

Not only do the Russian authorities perceive media as a part of their armed forces.

Not only does the Russian President give medals to journalists who reported about the absence of Russian troops in Crimea.

Not only is the desired messaging and disinformation multiplied by a whole army of pro-Kremlin trolls.

A significant reinforcement has arrived this week. As Meduza pointed out, the new National Guard received the competence to engage in “information warfare” from President Vladimir Putin.

From the President’s decree, it is not entirely clear what specifically will the soldiers perform – but it is clear they will not be short of staff.

The whole National Guard should number 350,000-400,000 troops, says Meduza.