MOSCOW. Nov 17 (Interfax) - The time of conflict which Russia is going through requires a certain amount of censorship, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that he would not attempt to draw a line between criticism and discrediting of the special military operation.
"Yes, this is a very tough time, a time of conflict that requires harsh measures by the authorities. [...] Indeed, I believe that during a time of conflict there should be [a] certain [amount of] censorship and certain rules, which would be unacceptable during ordinary times, times of peace, but right now have to be a mandatory attribute," Peskov said in an interview with the MGIMO 360 student news channel.
Peskov added that he would not undertake to give an expert assessment on the line between criticism of the special military operation and discrediting of the Russian Armed Forces. "Where does the line go? I cannot answer this question. And therefore, I would advise all those who, without understanding the essence of the matter, want to speculate indiscriminately and throw some words of criticism towards our army, towards those participating in the special military operation, to think ten times before they do so," he said.
As to those who left Russia out of disagreement with the current events, Peskov said that the country "remains open to everyone but enemies." "Fear is a normal feeling, which is characteristic of people in certain life situations. There is nothing terrible about it. Some have even left the country. Yet some of those who left started scolding the homeland, defaming the homeland. It will be very difficult for these people to return," he said.
"I'm not talking about the laws that will apply to them. People won't accept them," Peskov said. "Those, pardon me, who lambasted their own country will find it very difficult to explain themselves to the people who live here. It will be a big problem for them," Peskov said.
He disagreed that "confused people" left Russia because the government did not give a correct explanation of its actions. "After all, everyone stayed, everyone is here. [...] Some, a fraction, have left. Saying that the government is responsible because it has not explained [its actions], everyone understood and they did not, seems to be rather their problem, and it is not for the government to solve such problems," Peskov said.