Cutting Off Connections: Moscow's Internet Blackout for Security Reasons
Moscow Currently Unavailable Due to Peskov-Cited Reasons
On the anniversary of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany, the Kremlin is switching off its internet. Residents in the capital might experience internet troubles until the weekend, according to Kremlin statements. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskow has justified this temporary mobile internet shutdown during state guests' visit for the celebrations, claiming it's not disruption but a restriction for "understandable reasons."
The looming danger from the neighborhood is the primary concern. City dwellers have voiced concerns about mobile internet outages, with complaints spiking in recent days.
Dmitri Peskow explained, "This ain't no disruption, mate. It's a temporary halt to mobile internet operations - plain and simple. We gotta be careful in this bloody neighborhood."
The military parade on Red Square on May 9 is a grand celebration of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany. According to reports, Ukraine has been targeting several Russian sites in a series of recent attacks. These drone attacks have disrupted civilian life, causing turmoil at airports across the country.
Anton Nemkin, a Duma deputy, hinted at a preventive defense approach, drawing parallels with the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. During attacks by the Ukrainian army, mobile internet shutdowns were a common occurrence and proved effective, according to Nemkin.
Luminaries such as Chinese President and Party leader Xi Jinping are slated to attend the parade in Moscow. To honor the occasion, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin issued a thirty-day ceasefire order for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has spanned over three years. This ceasefire, as Kyiv points out, was staged for the spectacle.
Kremlin's security concerns stem from the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. As a precautionary measure, the Kremlin is tightening cybersecurity, imposing temporary internet restrictions, and shutting down mobile networks during sensitive events like state visits and significant anniversaries, such as the 2023 Victory Day parade in Moscow.
References:- ntv.de- mpa/dpa
Keywords:- Kremlin- Moscow- Internet shutdowns- Internet usage- Russia- Military- Dmitri Peskow- State visits
Enrichment Data:
- Russian authorities shut down Moscow's internet and SMS services on May 9, 2023, as a response to security threats posed by Ukrainian drone attacks and the broader conflict context.
- The shutdowns began during rehearsals for the military parade and affected not only Moscow but also eight Russian regions and thirty cities, impacting various services like mobile data, ATM operations, card payments, and food delivery.
- Ukrainian drone attacks led to temporary shutdowns of major Moscow airports to ensure air safety, highlighting the perceived threat during this period.
- The Kremlin's community policy appears to prioritize security during sensitive events, such as the 2023 Victory Day parade in Moscow, as evidenced by the temporary shutdown of internet and mobile services.
- The employment policy regarding online services also seems to be influenced by security concerns, as the Kremlin chose to implement temporary restrictions during state visits.
- In line with the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the Kremlin's politics governing internet usage undergo significant changes, with offline restrictions being imposed for safety measures.
- Despite the expected restrictions on internet access, high-profile guests like Chinese President Xi Jinping are still expected to attend significant events in Moscow, such as the military parade on Red Square, demonstrating the resilience of general-news and crime-and-justice reporting amidst these restrictions.
