Top officials in Russia have been banned from leaving the country without the express permission of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Unnamed government officials, on condition of anonymity, told The Bell journalists about this.

According to them, recently, it is possible to travel abroad only with special permission, which must be coordinated with the Prime Minister. Moreover, permits are issued only for business trips, but not for leisure.

The new requirements apply to almost all top government officials - from heads of departments in ministries to the ministers themselves.

The publication found out that such restrictions apply only to the government of the Russian Federation, and there is nothing of the kind in the presidential administration. Interlocutors of journalists say that the bans manifest the "special zeal" of Prime Minister Mishustin.

The Russian authorities are concerned about the flight from the country of the population and officials who fear the approach of the "dark ages". According to recent reports, the main Russian social network even banned advertising ways to leave Russia.