The energy ministry also did not respond, nor did Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Reuters has not found evidence that similar instructions were sent to companies in other sectors. Reuters reported in February that the ministry had enlisted energy companies to give it advance notice about developments that could influence public opinion. Monday deadlineThe instructions stipulated that companies should submit positive news stories every week - on Monday, or Tuesday morning at the latest. Reuters was not able to establish if the Kremlin had made similarly specific demands of companies in the past.

Source: Hindustan Times November 14, 2017 12:00 UTC