Putin blamed for more deaths as Russians miss missile warnings due to internet outages

Authorities often defend these outages as necessary for security reasons.

But in border regions, those outages may now be having deadly consequences.

Growing concerns

Residents in Russia’s Belgorod region have raised alarm over repeated internet shutdowns, saying they are unable to receive critical warnings during attacks, according to Moscow Times.

The issue has become especially pressing as cross-border strikes continue to hit areas close to Ukraine.

Warning from governor

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov acknowledged the risks, saying the lack of internet access can directly endanger lives.

“It’s an even greater threat for residents of border areas. The lack of information, unfortunately, quite often leads to death, injuries and destruction,” he said during a livestream, responding to complaints from locals.

Rising casualties

According to regional officials, nearly 150 people were killed in Belgorod due to cross-border attacks last year.

Figures for 2026 suggest the situation is worsening, with deaths and injuries already almost three times higher than during the same period in 2025.

Internet disruptions have become widespread across Russia as air defense systems attempt to interfere with signals used by Ukrainian drones.

Monitoring groups say restrictions are now affecting most regions on a daily basis.

A difficult balance

The Kremlin has defended the measures, calling them legal and necessary for national security.

However, Gladkov said he has raised concerns with federal authorities, who are now trying to find what he described as a “difficult compromise.”

“We’re being heard, listened to, and they’re trying to help,” he said, without providing further details.

Sources: The Moscow Times

This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation