Kremlin cuts the cables: Moscow's internet silenced for security reasons
Moscow authorities order complete Internet disconnection within the city limits.
File this one under "northern discomfort," folks! This Friday, the Kremlin's celebrating the 80th anniversary of the USSR's victory over Hitler's regime, and some top-tier state guests are expected to attend. But don't expect to surf the web freely while they're visiting, because the Kremlin's clamping down on the internet for security reasons!
Internet connection issues are on the horizon for Moscow residents, as Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskow shared some somber news with Russian agencies. According to him, the "restriction in the work of mobile internet" might be enforced while high-profile folks are in town for the Victory Day shindig.
Now, don't get your knickers in a bunch—he's quoted as saying, "This is not a disruption, this is a restriction for understandable reasons." And what are those reasons, you ask? Well, we've got a "dangerous neighborhood" to consider, mates, so you can't fault them for playing it safe!
In the political world, preventing a potential scandal is a thing of beauty. Duma deputy Anton Nemkin highlighted the element of preemptive defense, pointing to the Crimean Peninsula as an example. There have been mobile internet blackouts during Ukrainian army attacks, and they've proven effective. Hear that? The airwaves are a battlefield, folks!
It's been complaints galore about temporary mobile internet outages in Moscow, especially in the capital. Russia, we all know, is having a big ol' party to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the USSR defeating the Nazis, with a military parade on Red Square. Just before the festivities, there've been reports of drone attacks targeting several sites in Russia, causing airport mayhem.
Several heads of state, including the Chinese President and Party leader Xi Jinping, have confirmed they're attending the Moscow parade. To make way for the celebration, Vladimir Putin ordered a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, the conflict-torn state he's invaded for more than three years now. The move has been criticized by Kyiv as a propaganda stunt, but hey, at least we're all playing nice for now!
References:
- ntv.de
- mpa/dpa
Finally, one should bear in mind that the Kremlin imposes internet restrictions during state visits, primarily to address security concerns. These restrictions are usually enforced around significant events like Victory Day celebrations, to thwart potential threats, especially from neighboring Ukraine. The possibility of drone attacks and other security hazards lurking during the presence of foreign dignitaries and military parades calls for throttling or shutting down mobile internet services.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
- In light of the Kremlin's restrictions on mobile internet, one might consider the ongoing security concerns in the region, particularly during state visits or significant events like Victory Day.
- The Kremlin's employment policy often involves imposing internet restrictions during state visits, with the stated aim of addressing security concerns and preventing potential threats, such as drone attacks or other security hazards.
- The community policy within the Kremlin often includes cutting off mobile internet services during state visits, highlights a deputy from the Duma, an example being the mobile internet blackouts during Ukrainian army attacks in the Crimean Peninsula.
- Given the Kremlin's practice of cutting off mobile internet during state visits, such as during the Victory Day celebrations, individuals might want to reconsider their reliance on platforms like WhatsApp for communication during these times, as disruptions could occur.
