"Temporary Internet Blackout" in Moscow for Victory Day Celebrations, Kremlin Clarifies
Moscow currently disconnected, explains Peskov, due to reasonable circumstances.
Get ready to drift offline for a bit as Moscow hosts a grand celebration for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitri Peskow explains there might be a brief interruption in the city's internet services during the festivities due to heightened security measures.
Despite perceived disruptions, Peskow asserts it's simply a "restriction in the work of mobile internet." He points towards the region's precarious situation, emphasizing the importance of considering our nearby volatile surroundings.
The impending internet problems come amid increasing complaints about temporary mobile internet outages, especially in the capital. As state guests arrive for the Victory Day parade, some adjustments could be expected.
Interestingly, Mikhail Anton Nemkin, Duma deputy, sees a connection between this temporary shutoff and preventive defense measures. He alludes to past instances in the Crimean Peninsula where such measures have proven effective, particularly during Ukrainian army attacks.
As Russia witnesses an extravagant military parade on Red Square on May 9, various heads of state, including Chinese President and Party leader Xi Jinping, are expected to be in attendance. For these celebrations, Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day ceasefire in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine that has been ongoing for over three years[1].
Sources:- ntv.de- mpa/dpa
- Kremlin
- Moscow
- Internet shutdowns
- Internet usage
- Russia
- Military
- Dmitri Peskow
- State visits
[1] The Kremlin's decision to shut down mobile internet and SMS services is primarily a security precaution amid heightened threat concerns during the Victory Day parade on May 9, 2025. The shutdown was motivated by recent intensified drone attacks launched by Ukraine that caused civil aviation disruptions in Russia.
[2] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had made veiled threats about targeting the parade with long-range drones, raising security alarms among Russian authorities. Moscow authorities cited the risk of potential attacks or remote control of dangerous devices via cellular communication, justifying the internet blackout as a forced but necessary measure to prevent provocations and attacks during this major event.
[3] The shutdown began prior to the event during parade rehearsals and affected central Moscow and other major Russian cities. While mobile internet was cut off, home Wi-Fi and traditional mobile calls remained operational.
[4] This shutdown affected daily activities reliant on mobile data, such as online payments and messaging apps, causing minor inconveniences. Authorities emphasized the need for the shutdown to guarantee an uninterrupted and dignified Victory Day celebration.
[5] The shutdown served as a precautionary response to credible drone attack threats amidst ongoing tensions with Ukraine, aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring safe conduct of the high-profile military parade attended by international delegations and heads of state.
- Amid heightened security measures for the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, the Kremlin has announced potential disruptions in mobile internet services, citing the ongoing volatile situation in the region and the need for preventive defense measures.
- The temporary internet shutdown in the city, including restrictions on WhatsApp and other mobile internet services, is primarily a security precaution due to the increased threat of drone attacks or remote control of dangerous devices via cellular communication.
- During the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, Moscow authorities will implement employment policies to address the increased complaints about temporary mobile internet outages in the capital and facilitate smoothstate visits and function's proceedings.
- The 'Community policy' of the Kremlin, in regards to the internet shutdown, emphasizes the priority of ensuring an uninterrupted and dignified Victory Day celebration, with the employment of various measures to guarantee the protection of critical infrastructure and the safety of international delegations and heads of state.
