Mobile Internet Outages in Russia Intensify Amid Security Concerns

Mobile internet services in Moscow, and St. Petersburg have experienced significant disruptions in recent days, a trend that has become increasingly common across Russia as authorities attempt to counter Ukrainian drone attacks. The Kremlin maintains these outages are necessary for national security and are being implemented in accordance with the law, though concerns are rising about the economic impact on businesses.

Kremlin Justifies Disruptions

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that all shutdowns and restrictions on communications are being carried out “in strict accordance with current legislation” to “ensure security.” He acknowledged the potential problems these measures create for businesses, stating that “different solutions will, of course, be proposed to address the problems that unfortunately accompany these restrictions,” but offered no specific details. The Moscow Times reported on these statements.

Telecom Operators Cite ‘External Restrictions’

Telecom operators Beeline, MegaFon, and T2 have attributed the mobile internet disruptions in Moscow to “external restrictions” beyond their control. Sources within the industry told the newspaper Kommersant that operators received instructions from the authorities to limit mobile internet access in parts of the Russian capital. The Moscow Times

Growing Trend of Internet Disruptions

Internet shutdowns have become increasingly frequent in Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to estimates by Top10VPN, a research and analytics group, Russia ranked first globally for the number of internet disruptions in 2025, totaling 37,166 hours and costing an estimated $11.9 billion. The Moscow Times. The internet monitoring group Na Svyazi reports that restrictions are now introduced daily in an average of 63 regions.

Context: The Kremlin and Digital Control

The Moscow Kremlin, a fortified complex in the historic center of Moscow, serves as the seat of Russian political power. Wikipedia. Control over information and communication networks has become a key component of the Russian government’s strategy, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These disruptions reflect a broader pattern of increased state control over the digital sphere.

The Moscow Times Under Pressure

Reporting on these issues is becoming increasingly difficult for independent media within Russia. The Moscow Times has been designated as an “undesirable” organization by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, criminalizing its work and putting its staff at risk. Despite these challenges, the publication continues to provide independent reporting on Russia. The Moscow Times