Russian Defense Ministry Imposes Limits on Phone Calls
The Russian Ministry of Defense has changed the rules for making phone calls over public telephone lines. The official reason for these changes is to improve the efficiency of spending, but according to a source close to the leadership of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, the real motive may be to combat information leaks, as reported by “Kommersant.”
According to the source, on April 20 of this year, the commanders of all military districts received an informational letter from General Khalil Arslanov, head of the main communications directorate of the Russian Armed Forces. The letter requested the organization of “study, communication, and control” of an order from Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. This order is an updated version of a four-year-old directive on the use of telephone services provided by the public telephone network, which focuses on the efficient use of funds allocated for phone calls.
According to the minister’s order, by May 31 of this year, responsible officials must count the number of phone numbers used for local, long-distance, and international calls. They are also required to determine the group of subscribers who are allowed fully automatic access to the network for calls. These subscribers should be limited to “no more than 10% of the official staff of a military administration body or military unit.”
The document requires reducing the number of phones connected to city telephone exchanges in central military administration bodies and support units where departmental telephone communication is already available. Only military personnel directly responsible for the combat readiness of central command bodies and military units, and those on active duty, are allowed to use city lines. City phones may also be used by military personnel for whom it is technically impossible to install departmental telephone exchanges.
The order divides all Ministry of Defense employees into five categories, each with its own limits on phone usage time and expenses. Administrative investigations will be conducted for those who violate these rules. Once the set limits are reached, phone service will be disconnected and will only be restored at the start of the next reporting period.
Additionally, the document prohibits making personal calls from official phones to mobile numbers and paid information services. Specially appointed responsible persons will record the name, surname, and number of the calling servicemember, the code and number of the called party, the start time of the call, and its duration. The caller will also be required to sign a statement.