"Not a Hiccup, but a Safety Measure": Moscow's Internet Blackout by the Kremlin
Moscow authorities enforce internet disruption within the city limits.
Gearing up for the 80th anniversary of a significant victory over Nazi Germany, the Kremlin has a special reason to celebrate and unwelcome guests on Friday. Due to the "treacherous neighborhood," the Kremlin has opted for an offline extravaganza.
Residents of Moscow need to brace themselves for internet problems extending to Saturday, according to Kremlin announcements. Dmitry Peskow, the Kremlin's spokesperson, has said that restrictions on mobile internet services might be enforced during the Victory Day celebrations, while prominent state guests roam the city.
"This ain't a hiccup," Peskow told Russian media outlets bluntly. "This is a damn restriction on mobile internet operation – for bloody good reasons." And you ought to know it. "With the dodgy neighborhood we're stuck in."
Anton Nemkin, a Duma deputy, hinted at a touch of preemptive self-defense, reminiscing about the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. During Ukrainian army attacks, mobile internet blackouts in the territory have become the norm, proving both efficient and effective.
Complaints about temporary mobile internet disruptions have been on the rise for days, particularly in the capital. As Russia prepares to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany on May 9, complete with a parade on Red Square, Ukraine has reportedly set its sights on several targets within the country, causing chaos at various airports.
A flock of state guests, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, is expected at the Moscow parade. In anticipation of the grand celebrations, Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin leader, has called for a 72-hour ceasefire in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a move Kyiv deemed a mere PR stunt.
- Dateline: Moscow, May 7-9, 2025
- Notable Personnel: Dmitry Peskow, Anton Nemkin
- Key Venues: Red Square, Moscow
- Potential Threats: Drone attacks, cyber-attacks
- Instruments of Control: Mobile internet service shutdowns
Enrichment Data:The Kremlin's temporary blockade of mobile internet services in Moscow during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day celebrations was a security measure to ensure safety during mass events, including a major military parade attended by numerous foreign dignitaries, such as Chinese President Xi Jinping. Russian authorities claimed that these measures were necessary due to heightened risks in the current geopolitical climate, including the possibility of drone attacks and other dangers emanating from Ukraine, which was referred to as a "dangerous neighbor" by the Kremlin. The shutdowns specifically targeted mobile data services during certain hours, thereby limiting the use of popular apps and services, while allowing only basic voice communication over the 3G network during some periods. The move mirrors broader trends in Russia, where authorities frequently implement temporary internet restrictions during significant public events to mitigate security risks.
- Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the significant victory, the Kremlin has implemented a community policy that includes temporary restrictions on mobile internet services during Victory Day celebrations to ensure safety and prevent potential disruptions.
- In preparation for the grand celebrations, Moscow's employment policy will experience alterations as personnel responsible for managing internet access are oriented towards maintaining this temporary restriction on mobile services.
- Amidst the alleged heightened risks in the current geopolitical climate, the Kremlin's employment policy will enforce the temporary mobile internet shutdowns to mitigate potential threats, such as drone attacks and cyber-attacks, emanating from Ukraine, referred to as a 'dangerous neighbor.'
- The General-news and Crime-and-Justice categories from various media outlets are expected to provide extensive coverage of the Kremlin's policy, emphasizing the political implications behind the mobile internet shutdowns.
