Rostov Oblast Drone Filming Risks Treason Charges

Residents of Rostov Oblast may face criminal liability under the article on high treason for publishing footage of drone attack aftermath. This warning was issued by the head of Taganrog, Svetlana Kambulova, on her Telegram channel. She referred to a decree by the governor of August 8, 2025, No. 181, which prohibits filming and distribution in the media and online of information about the use of missiles and drones, the operation of air defense and electronic warfare systems, as well as the deployment and activities of military forces. The ban does not apply to government authorities and materials from official sources.

Violations of these regulations carry administrative fines. Individuals may be fined from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles ($30 to $50 at current rates), officials from 20,000 to 40,000 rubles ($200 to $400), and legal entities from 200,000 to 400,000 rubles ($2,000 to $4,000).

In her message, Kambulova reminded: «Authors of such materials will be held accountable.» The post also notes: «In some cases, individuals who published prohibited materials may be criminally prosecuted for high treason.» The press service of the Taganrog administration explained: «The post referred to the decree of the Governor of Rostov Oblast of August 8, 2025, No. 181. Nevertheless, in especially serious cases, filming enemy drones may result in charges under Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation «High Treason.» Determining the severity of consequences is within the competence of federal authorities.»