Up to 12 Years in Prison: Kyiv City State Administration Explains What Is Prohibited to Post Online During Russian Shelling

The Kyiv City State Administration has issued an important warning to residents and guests of the capital regarding the strict prohibition of publishing photos and videos depicting the consequences of enemy shelling on social media. The relevance of this issue remains high amid ongoing regular missile and drone attacks by the Russian Federation against Ukrainian infrastructure. Authorities emphasize that any premature or reckless information that appears publicly on the internet poses a direct threat to national security.

The Threat of Fire Adjustment and Special Services Operations

The official statement from the KCAS emphasizes that the enemy actively monitors open information sources, social channels, and messengers to collect intelligence. Published footage with geographical references can be used by the Russian military to assess strike accuracy and subsequently adjust new attacks. Furthermore, footage capturing air defense operations, Ukrainian defender positions, and the actions of rescue workers, medics, and emergency personnel at the scenes is also targeted.

Criminal Liability and Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine

City authorities paid special attention to the legal consequences of violating established bans. Depending on the severity of accompanying circumstances and the nature of the published materials, such actions may be classified by law enforcement agencies under Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The sanction of this article provides for severe punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 12 years. KCAS representatives urged citizens not only to refrain from such publications but also to promptly report such posts to the SBU or the police.

Contradictory Data

While official agencies insist on an absolute ban on any real-time photo and video recording of air defense operations and strike aftermath, debates continue among experts and social media users regarding the boundary between informing the public and disclosing classified data. Some bloggers note that delaying the publication of materials by a few hours or days reduces their operational value to the enemy, but lawyers remind us that the law makes no allowances for publication time if it harms the country's defense capabilities.

Rules of Conduct During Air Raids

Amid the ongoing threat of shelling, the capital's authorities remind citizens of the need to strictly adhere to safety rules. Upon the announcement of an air raid alert, every resident of Kyiv must immediately proceed to the nearest shelter. Changes have also affected the operation of city surface transport, bridge crossings, and social institutions, which suspend operations or alter routes during the alert to save citizens' lives.