Russia has become a totalitarian state: how Putin gained complete control over citizens.

According to FREEДOM:

Control Regime

Putin's Russia is transforming into a totalitarian country, similar to Nazi Germany and North Korea. Russia is becoming an empire of evil, gradually depriving its citizens of all rights.

The new issue of the program 'Special Report' on FREEДOM discusses the transformation of Russia from authoritarianism to tyranny and the atmosphere of fear that prevails in the country.

Author — Maxim Urlapov.

George Orwell as a Manual

George Orwell's novel '1984' impresses with descriptions of horrific events from the past that resemble today's reality in Russia. Recently, this novel was removed from the school curriculum in Russia, and it began to be withdrawn from libraries. For example, a Russian Dmitry Salin distributed copies of Orwell's books for free and was arrested for it.

Experts believe that such a decision could have been approved in the Kremlin, as the situations described in the novel closely resemble the current realities in Russia.

The situation with the absence of freedom in Ukraine is controlled by a regime that determines what can be said, what can be read, and what can be thought. The novel contains the concept of 'thoughtcrime' for which one can be punished. State Duma deputies are already discussing the possibility of punishment for 'thoughtcrime'.

'Literal interpretation of what is written is punishment for attempts, including thoughtcrime. One author has such a concept. It is suggested to punish for thoughtcrime,' said State Duma deputy Alexey Kurinny.

The deputy is talking about a new law that proposes punishment for searching for information online if it is considered extremist. Thus, in Russia, anyone who enters uncomfortable queries can be deemed a criminal.

'Every person searching for something on the internet finds themselves in a zone of risk now. This is absolutely a totalitarian story. This is not just authoritarianism, but another step towards totalitarianism,' says Russian political technologist Abbas Gallyamov.

The main goal is to intimidate people. Now no one knows what can lead to punishment and what cannot. The mere desire to learn something that is not Putin's propaganda can be considered an offense.

'It turns out that in your head, you have already committed something wrongful. The thought itself becomes criminal. References to Orwell in this case are not an exaggeration,' comments Abbas Gallyamov.

The authorities are closing access to independent websites and creating an isolated 'North Internet,' controlling everything written and read. The Kremlin plans to transfer Russians to the state-controlled messenger MAX, fully managed by security forces.

'Legal and technological solutions combined create digital totalitarianism. The Kremlin is deliberately working on building this digital totalitarianism together with the management of IT companies and the FSB,' says Russian political scientist Alexander Morozov.

Experts again emphasize that Russia meets the definition of a 'totalitarian state', as control over each person's life in it is complete.

Surveillance and the Search for Enemies

'Freedom is slavery.' This slogan echoes in Orwell's novel. Officials are gradually stripping Russians of all rights, establishing their order. Serious penalties are now stipulated for any criticism of the military.

People who dare to criticize the authorities are labeled as 'foreign agents,' prohibiting them from engaging in entrepreneurial activities or teaching. Orders have become so severe that even private conversations are regarded as violations.

There are numerous cases where people are punished for conversations at home. For instance, a couple from Krasnodar was detained for discussing the war in Ukraine.

Alexey Klokov received seven years in prison simply for a phone conversation about the situation in Ukraine.

The totalitarian regime punishes any expression that is not liked by the authorities, even in private conversations.

'A lot of things can't be said out loud, or even more — don't say anything at all, as an atmosphere of fear of denunciations reigns. Denunciations work just as in old totalitarian systems. No one in such a system can feel at ease,' comments Russian political scientist Alexander Morozov.

The authorities call on people to look for enemies among those who do not support the Kremlin's course, labeling them as 'national traitors.'

'There always has to be an enemy. An enemy is needed to justify the necessity of forceful actions and expansion. But they are also needed to maintain internal control. When there is an enemy, everyone must unite around the leader,' said Putin.

Such sentiments are also supported regarding Western countries, although in reality, the Kremlin describes only itself.

The state controls all publications on social networks and messages in messengers, even using artificial intelligence for this. The government is constantly being eavesdropped.

'The FSB and other Russian special services actively listen to all bureaucracies. This is total eavesdropping. Every governor, vice-governor, department head knows they are being listened to continuously,' comments Russian political scientist Alexander Morozov.

The atmosphere of fear is one of the main attributes of a totalitarian society. This is manifested in the dispersal of mass protests and harsh actions against dissenters.

People are detained even for single pickets if there are statements on posters that are not liked by the Kremlin. The current events in Russia unfold according to the script of Orwell's novel.

Deputy of the Moscow City Duma Aleksey Gorinov received seven years for statements about the army's failures.

Another example is the single father Aleksey Moskalev, who was imprisoned after his daughter created an anti-war drawing. He was beaten in prison. There are countless similar stories, and people are starting to feel hopeless.

Dissenters are considered traitors of the regime and thus must feel fear and helplessness, making them easy prey for the authorities.

A teacher in the Voronezh region was instructed by 'United Russia' to create a 'Fatherland helmet' from foil to counter NATO. It turned out to be a joke.

In modern Russia, authoritarianism is transitioning to totalitarianism, as noted by Russian historian Yuri Pivovarov.

'I call the current regime in Russia neo-totalitarian. We have already passed the station of 'authoritarianism' and moved into a dire state — the dead-end of totalitarianism,' says Russian historian Yuri Pivovarov.

Total Control

Russia aims for total control, encompassing all aspects of social and private life.

For example, the government compiles a list of toys for kindergartens that will adhere to so-called traditional values. The climate in which Russians live resembles a prank.

'The birth of children is a private matter. Mine, my wife’s, my parents', who want grandchildren or do not want them. This is a private sphere,' says Russian political technologist Abbas Gallyamov.

Russians are becoming a lever in the hands of the state, and their lives are under control. An ordinary person who expresses dissent towards the authorities can face criminal liability.

A totalitarian regime must have its dominant ideology, and Putin is shaping it based on historical myths. The term 'schizophrenic fascism' has recently gained popularity, characterizing the modern Russian ideology.

'This means that, in essence, fascists call other people fascists. Ideologists of the Russian world, like Alexander Dugin, openly declare themselves as fascists,' says totalitarianism researcher Timothy Snyder.

Putin's Cult

The cult of personality is an integral part of totalitarianism, which seeks to form a cult of personality around Putin. The ideology demands constant support for the president from everyone.

'Putin is everywhere, Putin is everything, Putin is absolute, Putin is irreplaceable,' says Alexander Dugin.

Bureaucrats cannot afford to express disobedience as this may lead to serious consequences.

'This all leads to the necessity to constantly praise Putin. Previously, it was possible to just work without praise, but now it must always be emphasized,' comments Russian political scientist Alexander Morozov.

Workers are compelled to attend rallies in support of Putin, and the situation at such events resembles rallies of the Hitler party.

Russians become props in propaganda actions. As examples show, children have become victims of this process.

'If your child is put on their knees with other children holding a 'Z' or forced to hold Putin's portrait, there is no chance that propaganda will pass by them in any way,' says Russian educator and enlightener Vadim Zitser.

In the Russian Federation, propaganda clips are being shot, where children in military uniforms sing about their readiness to die for Putin. This becomes a reality described in Orwell's novel.

The slogan 'War is peace' will become a symbol of the new Russian ideology, where war is glorified in propaganda starting from kindergartens.

'War is love. Let this remain in our memories. It is very important for you to pass this on to future generations,' say Putin's officials.

Like in North Korea

There are few countries in the world with totalitarian regimes, and Putin's Russia is actively collaborating with them. Propagandists are trying to prove that life in North Korea is a positive experience.

Russians are gradually plunging into conditions similar to those in Korea.

'Russia has itself lost its freedom, its dignity, and its right to exist in a civilized world. Russians have, with their own hands, deprived themselves of basic human rights,' says Russian director Vitaly Mansky.

The situation in Russia is similar to that in North Korea, where the authorities control every step of their citizens.

Thus, hard times are not only for Russia but also for neighboring countries that feel threatened by this aggressive regime.

'This political system is developing in the worst and most dangerous direction — dangerous for the world. The Baltic states, Scandinavia, Sweden, and the entire Arctic region are under threat,' says Russian political scientist Alexander Morozov.

The Russian regime is actively spreading its aggressive intentions, heightening tensions in neighboring countries. Over the past two decades, Russia has been authoritarian, but after the start of the war with Ukraine, it has moved towards totalitarianism, depriving Russians of all civil rights. The Kremlin is ready for complete control, and Putin's role is becoming totalitarian.