The State Duma Defense Committee has urged the House of Representatives to reverse its prior decision on adopting a law that would arrest members of the Military District who wear devices during service. The committee chair, Andrei Kartapolov, explained to socialbites.ca that the bill has been sent back to the second reading so an amendment permitting the use of smartphones for combat tasks can be added. He indicated that the proposal would be revisited and re-adopted later in the day.
He emphasized that this is not a withdrawal but a procedural step meant to clarify the scope of the measure. The deputy noted that talk has repeatedly centered on the fact that tools used in modern warfare are not banned and should not be banned, and that the proposed amendment simply removes any remaining doubts, questions, or insinuations about the policy. In his view, the additional clarification will help ensure consistent understanding across the ranks. The plan is to return the bill to the second reading, vote on the amendment, and then approve it as part of the ongoing process.
On July 24, the lower house of the Russian parliament approved an amendment that treats the possession and use of various devices by air defense personnel as a disciplinary infraction. The text of the document indicated that military personnel could face up to ten days of arrest for this violation. In the reporting that followed, several Russian military correspondents and bloggers criticized the move. They argued that the initiators of the changes relied on outdated information and contended that smartphones at the front play a crucial role in controlling drones, directing reconnaissance operations, and guiding artillery with a direct and practical impact on battlefield outcomes. The criticisms highlighted that these devices support real-time intelligence, target acquisition, and mission coordination in ways that are difficult to overlook or undervalue.
By July 31, the State Duma sought to reconsider the decision on the adoption of the law after the initial approval had become questionable. The reconsideration aimed to address concerns and align the policy with the actual needs of service members operating in contemporary combat environments. In this context, a former State Duma deputy, Alexey Zhuravlev, stated that smartphones cannot be taken away from participants in the special military operation, underscoring arguments about the essential role these devices play in communication, situational awareness, and tactical coordination. The discussion reflects a broader debate about how wearable and portable technology intersects with military discipline and operational effectiveness. [Cited: parliamentary records and expert commentary]