Moscow authorities impose internet blackout within the city limits.
Insight: The Kremlin is taking a proactive approach, implementing internet restrictions in Moscow during the 80th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany, reportedly to secure state guests and prevent potential disturbances[1].
Step into Moscow, where the air is ripe with anticipation as the city gears up for a landmark celebration. The Kremlin, in an unexpected yet deliberate move, has announced temporary internet disruptions[1]. Scheduled for the duration of the anniversary, residents can expect connectivity issues until Saturday[1]. Why this unusual decision? Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskow, explained it as a much-needed "restriction in the work of mobile internet"[1].
"Don't panic, it's a precaution," Peskow told Russian agencies[1]. "We're living in a dicey neighborhood and have to play it smart." The decision comes amidst heightened tension with certain neighboring countries[1].
Politics Insight: With the Crimean Peninsula in mind, Russian Duma deputy Anton Nemkin emphasized elements of preventive defense[1]. Mobile internet disruptions during instances of conflict, such as those experienced in Crimea, have proven effective[1].
Complaints about temporary mobile internet outages in the capital have been mounting for days[1]. As Russia celebrates the 77th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany with a military parade on Red Square on May 9[2], Ukraine has reportedly targeted several Russian sites, causing chaos at airports[1].
Insight: Numerous state guests, including Chinese President and Party leader Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the Moscow parade[1]. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day ceasefire in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but the move has faced criticism as a staged performance by Kyiv[1].
Sources: ntv.de, mpa/dpa
- Kremlin
- Internet shutdowns
- Internet usage
- Moscow
- Military
- Dmitri Peskow
- State visits
- Victory Day celebrations
- Ukraine
- Crimean Peninsula
- Vladimir Putin
- The Kremlin, in its precautionary move during Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, has announced temporary internet shutdowns[1].
- Dmitri Peskow, the Kremlin spokesman, justified these internet usage restrictions as a necessary step, given the volatile political climate and the need to secure state visits[1].
- These internet shutdowns are particularly significant as numerous state guests, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the Moscow parade[1].
- In the past, internet shutdowns have been employed in the Crimean Peninsula, a strategically important region with a tense relationship with neighboring countries, as a preventive defense measure[1].
