Putin Calls For Social Media Regulation, Reveals Russia Prints Banknotes For Some African Countries
Putin Calls For Social Media Regulation, Reveals Russia Prints Banknotes For Some African Countries
Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed that Russia produces banknotes for some African countries, although he declined to identify the nations involved.
Putin made the disclosure on Wednesday during discussions on Russia’s economic and financial co-operation with African partners.
“We are reaching agreements with our partners on joint work and introducing common standards. We will not say which African countries, but we produce banknotes for some African states. Everyone is satisfied,” the Russian leader said.
His remarks highlight an aspect of Russia’s financial co-operation with African countries as Moscow seeks to deepen economic and political ties across the continent.
Putin did not provide further details about the countries involved, the volume of banknotes produced or the arrangements under which the currency is supplied.
The Russian president also commented on the anti-government protests that took place in Iran in early 2026, arguing that social media platforms played a significant role in mobilising demonstrations.
Putin said the protests were driven, to a considerable extent, by activity on platforms that Iranian authorities “neither managed nor controlled”.
“The only thing they could do was shut everything down. That is a question of sovereignty,” he said.
He contrasted Iran’s response with that of France, arguing that French authorities had limited influence over how social media platforms operated within their borders.
“They have difficulty influencing, or cannot influence at all, how social media platforms operate in their own country. But I think it would be right if all of us had the ability to influence this,” Putin added.
