Russia Disrupts Mobile Internet Ahead of Victory Parade

Russia shut down mobile internet services in Moscow ahead of the annual Victory Day parade, citing security concerns over potential Ukrainian drone attacks. This move is part of a broader crackdown on the internet, with many citizens resorting to VPNs for access. Communication restrictions affected various sectors, including banking and transportation.

Moscow faced widespread mobile internet shutdowns on Tuesday, impacting many residents ahead of the May 9 Victory Day parade. This intentional disruption was attributed to fears of potential Ukrainian drone attacks targeting the parade, which commemorates Russia's victory over Nazi Germany.

The Kremlin disclosed that the curtailment was necessary to bolster security measures amid the heightened threat. Six Reuters journalists reported experiencing network issues across Moscow, emphasizing the widespread nature of the disruption, though voice calls remained unaffected in some parts.

The restriction extended repercussions beyond typical mobile use. Key sectors such as banking and transport were also affected, as evidenced by warnings from major entities like Sberbank and Yandex, which cautioned about potential service interruptions. This incident underscores the evolving nature of digital limitations tied to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.