In a bid to maintain control over information and quell uncertainty, the Kremlin has launched a crackdown on Russian citizens who are posting emojis in relation to rumours about President Vladimir Putin’s health and even death.

This unprecedented move comes amidst growing speculation and a surge in online chatter regarding Putin’s well-being.

Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesperson, Andriy Yusov, told Ukrainska Pravda news: “The situation is interesting as there are a lot of requests (searches) in the network (on the Internet), including in Russia itself there is a multiple increase in searches for Putin’s death and so on.

The Russian government has taken swift action, identifying individuals and social media accounts that are using emojis as a means of discussing the President’s health status. Authorities argue that the use of these symbols, often accompanied by cryptic messages, can spread misinformation and undermine public confidence in the government.

This clampdown on emoji usage is part of a broader effort to control the narrative surrounding Putin’s health. The government has repeatedly denied any serious health issues, insisting that the President is in good condition.

The Kremlin’s stringent measures have raised concerns among civil liberties advocates, who argue that it infringes on freedom of expression.

As the crackdown intensifies, many Russians find themselves in a precarious position, navigating a fine line between expressing their concerns and falling afoul of the government’s increasingly stringent online censorship.