Overnight, Russia disabled the BBC's website, Facebook, and Twitter.

This happened after the Russian parliament adopted sanctions on "foreigners who infringe on Russian residents' rights," including asset freezes and company bans.

Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, responded:

“Truth is often the first casualty of war. In a conflict where disinformation and propaganda is rife, there is a need for factual and independent news people can trust.”

Radio Free Europe and Maduza, one of Russia's largest in-exile news websites, were also shut down.

The BBC said yesterday that it was halting all of its journalists' operations in Russia.

“This legislation appears to criminalise the process of independent journalism,” said Davie. “It leaves us no other option than to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the full implications of this unwelcome development.

“Our BBC News service in Russian will continue to operate from outside Russia. The safety of our staff is paramount and we are not prepared to expose them to the risk of criminal prosecution simply for doing their jobs.”

The Corporation has begun broadcasting on shortwave radio frequencies throughout Russia and Ukraine.

Facebook was also blocked, with Russia stating the decision was in response to the social media platform's limited access to media.

Sir Nick Clegg, vice-president of global affairs at Facebook’s parent company, Meta, said: “Soon millions of ordinary Russians will find themselves cut off from reliable information, deprived of their everyday ways of connecting with family and friends and silenced from speaking out. We will continue to do everything we can to restore our services so they remain available to people to safely and securely express themselves and organise for action.”

Twitter has been impacted as well.

During the same session, Russian parliamentarians approved a law making it illegal to spread "fake" or "false" news regarding the Kremlin's conflict in Ukraine. This might result in a sentence of up to 15 years in jail.