Russia Disrupts Mobile Networks Amid Escalating Drone Warfare

Russia has been intermittently disabling mobile networks in several cities since the beginning of March, a move authorities claim is intended to protect citizens from Ukrainian drone attacks. The disruptions are causing significant inconvenience for residents, forcing a return to physical maps and increasing reliance on cash transactions as digital payment systems become unreliable.

Drone Attacks and Network Shutdowns

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported downing 389 Ukrainian drones in what it described as the largest overnight attack on Russian regions and Crimea since the invasion began over four years ago [Source: KSTP]. The drones were reportedly intercepted over 13 Russian regions and Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014. This attack followed a Russian barrage of nearly 1,000 drones and 34 missiles targeting civilian areas of Ukraine, resulting in at least six deaths and around 50 injuries [Source: KSTP].

The shutdown of mobile networks, including GPS functionality, is presented by Russian authorities as a security measure. Although, the move is creating practical challenges for everyday life.

Impact on Daily Life

The disruption of mobile networks is impacting various aspects of daily life in Russian cities. Taxi apps, food delivery services, and map applications are becoming less reliable. While some stores with Wi-Fi allow customers to complete payments, smaller businesses are increasingly requesting cash [Source: NRK].

Residents are adapting as best they can. Some are resorting to using physical maps for navigation, while others are experiencing difficulties with digital transactions. One Moscow resident described the situation as “heavy,” expressing hope that the disruptions will be short-lived [Source: NRK].

Broader Context: Control and Repression

Russia has a history of restricting access to information and tightening control over its population. The current mobile network disruptions are seen by some as part of a broader trend. Natalia Moen-Larsen, a senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Foreign Policy, suggests that these actions may be a test of new methods for dividing the population from each other and from the outside world [Source: NRK].

In recent years, Russia has introduced laws that restrict freedoms and increased surveillance. The blocking of social media platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram) in March 2022 is a notable example [Source: NRK]. More recently, authorities have begun blocking Telegram, a messaging app used for both private communication and public dissemination of information [Source: RBC], with reports suggesting a complete shutdown by April 1, 2026 [Source: Meduza].

The Kremlin has also developed its own social media platform, “Max,” which is believed to be used for monitoring citizens’ communications. Alongside this, the government has created “white lists” of websites that remain accessible even when mobile networks are restricted, including taxi apps, maps, and Russian social media platforms [Source: BBC Russian].

Despite the challenges, some residents are finding ways to cope, with some joking about returning to carrier pigeons and others embracing the opportunity for a “digital detox” [Source: NRK].