"Stepping Away for Safety": Peskov Explains Moscow's Internet Outage During Victory Celebrations
Moscow currently disconnected, due to reasonable explanations, according to Peskov.
It's a festive week in Moscow as the city commemorates the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. With some noteworthy state guests expected, the city will be in the spotlight, but you might experience certain internet hiccups. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskow has shed some light on the situation, explaining that mobile internet restrictions are implemented due to the city's sensitive location.
Over the past few days, complaints about temporary mobile internet outages, particularly in the capital, have been on the rise. Peskow assures that this isn’t simply disruption but a limitation in mobile internet operation – for valid reasons. With concern for our neighborhood, he said.
The increase in complaints comes as Russia gears up for the military parade honoring the 77th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. Sources indicate that Ukraine has recently escalated attacks on targets within Russia, causing disruptions at airports through drone attacks.
In light of the potential risk, Russian authorities deem it necessary to temporarily impose connectivity restrictions to minimize the chances of unlawful activities or remotely controlled devices posing a threat. Moreover, with heads of state from around the world expected at the parade, security measures are amplified to manage the large number of international dignitaries in attendance.
These connectivity limitations have become a standard practice during major public events involving high-ranking officials in Moscow. Expect internet outages to be a recurring occurrence during significant celebrations, state visits, or national holidays. Residents have grown accustomed to such temporary disruptions and are typically kept informed of these restrictions in advance.
A Brief Glance at History
In recent years, internet shutdowns have been the norm during events such as the Victory Day parades and other high-profile state visits. The measures are employed to prevent security threats and minimize the possibility of illegal coordination or device control during these events. These shutdowns typically last several hours, such as during rehearsals or official events, and are primarily aimed at restricting mobile data and app access while allowing basic voice calls over 3G.
| Reason for Shutdown | Typical Duration | Frequency & Scope ||-----------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------------|| Prevent security threats, remote device control, illegal coordination | Several hours during events (e.g., 08:00–14:00) | Annually during major events (e.g., Victory Day, state visits, public gatherings with officials)[2] |
Despite the inconvenience, it's essential to prioritize safety and security during these significant events. Keep your plans flexible and be prepared for brief connectivity interruptions as Moscow hosts its grand victory celebrations.
- During the 80th anniversary Victory celebrations in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov explained that mobile internet restrictions are implemented for security reasons, as the city's sensitive location is attracting noteworthy state guests.
- With the potential risk of unlawful activities or remotely controlled devices arising from recent Ukraine attacks, Russian authorities are temporarily imposing connectivity restrictions in Moscow to minimize these threats during the military parade.
- These connectivity limitations are a standard practice during major public events in Moscow involving high-ranking officials, such as the Victory Day parades and state visits, and typically last several hours, allowing basic voice calls over 3G.
- Residents in Moscow have become accustomed to these temporary internet disruptions during significant celebrations, state visits, or national holidays, and are usually informed of these restrictions in advance.
