"Shutting it Down": Peskov Explains Moscow's Internet Outage During Anniversary Celebrations
Moscow is temporarily unavailable, due to reasons that are considered reasonable.
Get ready, Moscow residents! You might be dealing with some internet problems until the weekend, as per Kremlin statements. With the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany approaching, some foreign guests are expected, and for good reason, the Kremlin is going offline.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskow explained the potential restrictions during the celebrations, as foreign guests will be in Moscow for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. Increasing complaints about temporary mobile internet outages, particularly in the capital, have been a concern for a few days.
"This ain't just a pesky disruption," Peskov told Russian agencies. "It's a temporary halt in mobile internet service - for damn good reasons." He went on to emphasize, "We're living in a risky neighborhood."
Politician Anton Nemkin referred to this situation as a measure of proactive defense, particularly recalling the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. Shutdowns of mobile internet during attacks by the Ukrainian army have become standard practice there, and proven effective.
Russia is commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany with a military parade on Red Square on May 9. According to Russian sources, Ukraine has recently attacked several targets in Russia, with drone attacks at airports causing chaos.
Numerous foreign guests, including Chinese President and Party leader Xi Jinping, are expected at the parade in Moscow. For the occasion, Kremlin head Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day truce in the Russian-Ukraine conflict, which has persisted for more than three years. Kyiv denounced this as a theatrical performance.
- Kremlin
- Moscow
- Internet shutdowns
- Internet usage
- Russia
- Military
- Dmitri Peskow
- State visits
Enrichment Data:The Kremlin is temporarily disabling internet services in Moscow and several other regions during the 2025 Victory Day celebrations (commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany). The primary reasons for this action are:
- Security Concerns: The shutdown is being implemented as a precautionary measure following veiled threats by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of potential drone attacks targeting the parade. Ukrainian drone attacks have already caused aviation chaos and forced authorities to take additional security steps[1][3].
- Preventing Coordination of Attacks: Authorities state that mobile internet and SMS restrictions are intended to prevent the use of mobile devices for coordinating illegal activities or remotely controlling technical devices that could pose a danger during the large-scale events[5].
- Standard Procedure for Major Events: Temporary internet shutdowns have become an increasingly common practice in Russia during major public gatherings, particularly those attended by high-ranking officials, to minimize the risk of attacks or provocations[5].
Internet blackouts during the Victory Day parade have begun in advance, with internet and mobile data services already disrupted in central Moscow and other cities since May 5, 2025. Officials insist the move is necessary to ensure an uninterrupted and dignified celebration amid perceived threats from what the Kremlin calls "dangerous neighbors," a reference to Ukraine[1][3][5].
- During the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, the Kremlin in Moscow is implementing a temporary internet shutdown, as explained by Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov.
- Dmitri Peskow stated that the mobile internet service halt is not just a disruption but a strategic move due to the heightened security concerns in the region.
- The Kremlin's decision to disable internet services is part of a proactive defense strategy, with Moscow and several other regions experiencing internet blackouts since May 5, 2025.
- Russian authorities have cited security concerns due to perceived threats from Ukraine, such as potential drone attacks during the Victory Day parade, as the primary reason for the internet shutdowns.
