A Russian TG channel shared excerpts of a directive apparently from a Russian motor rifle regiment commander instructing his sub-unit commanders to:
- Prevent troops from using of Telegram, Discord, AlpineQuest, OfflineMaps, etc. The state-backed messenger MAX can be used for communication w/ family/friends.
- Ensure troops use the geoinformation support program ZOV Maps in place of AlpineQuest, etc; and the Astra-S program in place of Discord for sharing UAV feeds.
- Ensure troops use joint information exchange systems such as KTS Svyaz/Cherepakha, Groza, Repei, Mishutka, as well as the messenger PostLink, even for transmitting unclassified official info.
- Prevent troops from using unsecured cellular comms for transmitting operationally relevant info; Ukrainian SIM cards; captured devices; smartphones while performing military duties; or wireless mobile or foreign-made comms equipment for C2 or transmission of official info.
The directive says it was issued in accordance with instructions issued on November 5, 2025, by the chief of the Main Communications Directorate.
Hard to see how these orders could be implemented across the force in the near future without a collapse in C2. For example, while units from the Tsentr Group of Forces appear to have adopted Astra-S, others widely still appear to be using Discord [see tweets above, for example]. Not to mention the continued widespread reliance on Telegram, AlpineQuest, foreign-made comms equipment, etc.
t.me/dva_majors/89619