A lot of games are like that now, you can't even install them unless you are online. They automatically register it and check your registration every time you use it. Keeps you from copying it or selling your copy later on.
On the plus side, they usually check your version and automatically download patches and updates for you.
Yes, thats a bit annoying, but not unheard of nowdays.
Still, anyone reading this obviously has internet connection, and many (tho not all) will be spending a large portion of their time playing online anyway, so I'm not sure its a critical problem.
Its probably completely unfair, but I couldn't help but chuckle at the idea of Russian developers suddenly becoming sensitive about intellectual property rights.

I've been waiting 10 years for a good WWI game so I'm pretty excited and have high hopes.

Regards,
Wab