Russia limits mobile internet ahead of scaled-back WW2 victory parade
Carriers warned customers to use Wi‑Fi as authorities cited security concerns and Moscow’s parade was scaled back over drone threats.
- On Tuesday, mobile internet services were severed for numerous users across Moscow, days before the May 9 Victory Day parade. Six Reuters journalists independently confirmed widespread data outages on their devices across the capital.
- The Defence Ministry cited the "current operational situation" and elevated risks of Ukrainian drone attacks as justification for restrictions. Officials confirmed the parade will proceed without ground vehicles or cadets to prioritize security.
- Russian mobile operators acknowledged the security-driven disruptions, while Sberbank and Yandex warned customers of potential issues with banking and taxi services. Telephone calls generally remain functional in affected areas.
- Opponents of President Vladimir Putin suggest these measures represent an attempt to bolster domestic control following four years of conflict. The move aligns with a broader crackdown on internet access involving VPNs this year.
- Despite the absence of ground vehicles, the parade will feature "servicemen from higher military educational institutions of all kinds and certain service branches of the Russian Armed Forces," alongside a traditional military aircraft flyover.
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The 9-May parade will take place in Moscow, but in a small way. The Kremlin fears a drone offensive during the celebrations. Our special envoy to Russia, Jérôme Garro, reported on LCI. - 9-May parade in Russia: "Snipers are already positioned around the Kremlin," reports Jérôme Garro, LCI Special Envoy (International).
The country has tightened controls over internet access, forcing millions to use VPNs, as part of a reinforcement of internal control after four years of conflict.
Russia on Tuesday restricted access to mobile internet for residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg, citing the risk of a drone attack due to a military parade on May 9.
Authorities began blocking the mobile internet in Moscow and Sankt Petersburg, on the basis of preparations for Victory Day. According to Downdetector data, the number of complaints about the inability to access the Internet in these cities started...
Russia Blacks Out Mobile Internet in Moscow, St. Petersburg Ahead of Victory Day Showcase
The restrictions come amid heightened security ahead of Russia’s flagship annual military event – the May 9 Victory Day parade – a key Kremlin showcase marking the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany.
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