Critics have noted that the level of citizen reporting in Russia has reached an unprecedented scale not seen since the communist regime era. The FSB, which was established on the basis of the USSR's State Security Committee, claims that as a result of these calls, 18 individuals have been charged with 'terrorism or sabotage against Ukraine', with potential sentences of several years in prison. According to the FSB, those detained are accused of having set fire to transportation and communication infrastructure.

Last year, the FSB's hotline received a staggering 68,785 calls, while regional offices recorded an additional 77,772 calls. Among these, nearly 16,000 calls reportedly contained 'information crucial to investigations', leading to 20 criminal cases initiated for consciously false reporting, according to Russian intelligence. This spike in denunciation activity coincides with Russia's intensified crackdown on opposition since the renewed invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has led to a situation where any criticism of the military is virtually outlawed.

Individuals who dare to criticize the official policy face serious accusations such as justifying terrorism, discrediting the military, or spreading false information. This atmosphere of fear and repression reflects a significant shift in civil liberties in Russia, sparking concerns both domestically and internationally about the consequences for dissenters and the broader implications for Russian society as it grapples with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.