This is typical WT double speak where on a day to day basis full deference to the chain of command and organisational structure is required yet when the WTS is threatened legally then suddenly everything is the responsibility of the congregation member.
It's the same as the statements around "we don't shun", "anyone can leave", "we don't baptise children", "no one is DFed for refusing blood" and so on.
It's utter bollocks and I feel incredibly sorry for the individual Russian witnesses who will be putting their personal freedom on the line trying to fulfil a centrally pushed obligation to preach which is now being denied as such. I really hope this encourages them to ask serious questions of the organisation.