Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is not planning to limit access to the Internet or put it under "total control," but will need to ensure the stability and security of its Russian segment, Radio Free Europe reported on Wednesday.
Putin, speaking at a meeting of his presidential Security Council, said Russian Internet domains had faced a growing number of cyberattacks.
Putin said the security services had detected constant growth in the number of cyberattacks, particularly in the last six months -- the period when the crisis in Ukraine worsened.
He added that the intensity of the attacks "depends on the current international situation."
Putin said Russia will consistently and legally close sites disseminating or promoting extremism, xenophobia, terrorism, and child pornography.
"It is obvious that today we need to elaborate and implement a range of additional measures in the area of information security," he said, adding that Russia did "not intend to limit access to the Internet" or "to put it under total control."
The Russian leader appeared to be trying to defuse speculation about possible Internet restrictions amid escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine.