MOSCOW, May 5 – Russian authorities disabled mobile internet access for numerous customers throughout Moscow on Tuesday as security precautions before their annual May 9th celebration marking victory over Nazi Germany, which officials have reduced in scale due to concerns about potential Ukrainian drone strikes, according to Reuters correspondents on the ground.
Throughout this year, Russia has intensified restrictions on internet access, cutting off mobile connectivity and compelling millions of citizens to rely on VPN services, actions that critics of President Vladimir Putin describe as efforts to strengthen government control following four years of ongoing conflict.
According to Kremlin officials, these connectivity restrictions were implemented as security measures in response to increased risks of Ukrainian drone operations.
Multiple Reuters correspondents stationed in Moscow confirmed that mobile internet connectivity failed on their devices Tuesday across various districts of the capital city. However, voice calls remained functional in most areas of Moscow, the reporters noted.
Major Russian telecommunications providers acknowledged potential mobile internet disruptions, stating these measures were necessary to maintain security during the upcoming period. Russia’s largest financial institution, Sberbank, also warned customers about possible mobile internet and messaging service interruptions.
Yandex, the country’s dominant internet corporation, announced through its ride-sharing division that customers might experience difficulties booking taxi services online due to internet limitations.
Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine four years ago, both nations have become involved in an unprecedented large-scale drone conflict. These long-distance unmanned aircraft are striking targets ranging from military command centers to power grid facilities, extending far beyond the concentrated combat zones where short-range drones operate along active battle lines.
