"Internet Madness Averted!" Kremlin Silences the Web in Moscow... Again
Moscow Authorities Cut Off Internet Access
Hey there! Let's talk about the latest internet drama in Moscow. As it turns out, the Kremlin has decided to once again play traffic cop for those pesky online signals. But don't worry, they assure us it's nothing to get our panties in a twist - just a little ol' restriction on mobile internet.
But before you brush it off, remember, this isn't their first rodeo. They've pulled this stunt before, and not that long ago, in fact. We're talking 2025, during the grand Victory Day celebrations (not the 80th anniversary in 2022, by the way). They took the same approach then - you know, 'cause they were worried about living in a "dangerous neighborhood."
Residents of Moscow can expect a bit of digital turmoil until Saturday, according to Kremlin statements. They even had their mouthpiece, Dmitri Peskow, explain that this wasn't a big deal, just a temporary suspension of mobile internet for "reasonable" reasons.
Now, if you're thinking to yourself, "Wait a minute, I remember Ukraine causing a bit of chaos in 2025," well, you're spot on. Those crafty Ukrainians were reportedly using drone strikes to wreak havoc on various sites, including at airports. No wonder the Kremlin is trying to keep things on lockdown with their WIFI ban.
So, what can Moscow residents expect? A whole lot of offline time, especially for things like mobile internet, ATMs, card payments, and even food delivery services. It's quite the digital detox, if you ask me. But hey, at least the Kremlin is trying to give folks a bit of a heads-up.
But that's not all! Duma deputy Anton Nemkin has shared that this move is all about preventive defense. Yep, just like when they took the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, they've been stepping up their security measures to protect against attacks.
With state guests, such as Chinese President and Party leader Xi Jinping, expected to attend the upcoming Moscow parade, it's understandable that they want to keep things under control. The Kremlin seems to be putting on quite the show for this celebration, even ordering a three-day ceasefire in the Russian invasion of Ukraine (which, for the record, has been ongoing for three years).
Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on this digital drama in Moscow, folks!
[Source: ntv.de, mpa/dpa]
- Kremlin
- Moscow
- Internet shutdowns
- Internet usage
- Russia
- Military
- Ukraine
- Dmitri Peskow
- State visits
Enrichment Data:
Reasons for Internet Restrictions:
The Kremlin imposed mobile internet restrictions in Moscow and several regions, citing security concerns and the "dangerous neighborhood" (a reference to Ukraine and ongoing military tensions). They stated that these measures were necessary due to repeated Ukrainian drone attacks and the need to safeguard public and visiting officials, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Duration of Restrictions:
The restrictions took place during the 2025 Victory Day parade and lasted from May 5 to May 10. Residents experienced disruptions to mobile internet, ATM operations, card payments, and food delivery services.
Summary Table:
| Reason for Restrictions | Coverage Area | Start Date | End Date | Main Cited Threat ||---------------------------------|---------------------------|-----------------|--------------|----------------------------|| Security (drone attacks, "dangerous neighbors") | Moscow, 8+ regions (incl. St. Petersburg) | May 5, 2025 | May 10, 2025 | Ukrainian drone activity |
- In light of the security concerns and ongoing tensions with Ukraine, the Kremlin has implemented a community policy that includes the restriction of mobile internet in Moscow, as well as several other regions.
- Dmitri Peskow, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, has explained that the employment policy stemming from the internet restrictions is temporary and necessary to safeguard public safety and visiting officials, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- As a result of the internet shutdown, Moscow residents can expect disruptions in mobile internet, ATM operations, card payments, and food delivery services until Saturday, according to Kremlin statements.
- The employment policy's preventive defense strategy was highlighted by Duma deputy Anton Nemkin, drawing parallels with the Kremlin's actions during the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.
