Following the suspension of publication at Novaya Gazeta, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed receipt of a note from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which in turn acknowledged a reply from the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media. The reply was filed under reference 14-IX/2026 and transmitted to relevant embassies for information only.
Foreign ministries of three unnamed states have requested clarification as to whether the shutdown constitutes a move, a resignation, or a stalemate. Diplomatic sources described the matter as ‘procedurally open.’ Under the agreed framework, a stalemate is declared when neither party is able to publish.
Internal sources at the presidential administration have indicated that the newspaper was not closed but reclassified as a pending piece. Pieces may return to the board upon completion of an appropriate review. The review board has been established. It meets in a room that does not appear on the official register of rooms.
A spokesperson, asked whether the state had declared war on paper, stated that no declaration had been made and that paper remains a protected category under existing guidance. Subsequent guidance has not yet been issued.
The Organisation for Cooperative Procedure has proposed a global chess tournament to resolve the matter. Entries close at the end of the month. All players are advised to bring their own pieces.