Edith Hejberg
In rural regions, where mobile data is often the only connection to the outside world, residents report pharmacies unable to process prescriptions and emergency alerts failing to go out.
Millions of Russians are grappling with frequent mobile data blackouts, as the Kremlin continues to restrict access across the country. Officially, the government cites threats from Ukrainian drones, but critics believe the shutdowns signal a deeper crackdown on digital freedom.
Chaos for Everyday Russians
From paying for groceries to hailing a taxi, daily life has become unpredictable for many.
In rural regions, where mobile data is often the only connection to the outside world, residents report pharmacies unable to process prescriptions and emergency alerts failing to go out.
A Viral Video Captures Growing Frustration
A clip by rapper Pavel Osipyan from Rostov-on-Don, where he jokes about having internet only until noon, has gone viral drawing more than 500,000 views.
But behind the humor lies real anger and anxiety among Russians increasingly cut off from digital life.
Belgorod Residents Resort to Rail Banging for Warnings
In border areas like Belgorod, the internet shutdowns have had dangerous consequences. With no digital alerts functioning, residents have taken to banging on metal fences to warn neighbors of incoming missile attacks.
Kremlin Admits to Cutting Access — and Expanding It
Mobile internet was first throttled during Moscow’s Victory Day parade in May. Since then, the shutdowns have spread far and wide.
Even cities hundreds of miles from Ukraine are now experiencing sudden and unexplained outages, both on mobile and broadband networks.
Officials Justify Crackdown as ‘Safety Measure’
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insists the restrictions are necessary: “Everything to ensure citizen safety is justified.” Local governors echo this sentiment, with some vowing the blackout will continue “as long as the threat remains.”
Shutdowns Now a Nationwide Trend
According to digital rights group Na Svyazi, mobile data has been cut in 73 of Russia’s 80+ regions, with 41 also reporting disruptions to broadband.
Despite government reassurances, there’s no clear timeline or pattern for when access will return.
Internet Censorship Could Soon Be Permanent
A Kremlin-friendly newspaper has reported that officials are considering a new state agency to coordinate shutdowns.
Activists fear this would institutionalize internet censorship and pave the way for a China-style model of online control.
From Drone Strikes to Digital Repression
The widespread blackouts followed Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb,” where drones struck deep inside Russia.
Authorities panicked, experts say, and seized the moment to push forward with broader controls under the guise of national security.
Analysts Warn: A New Era of State Control Is Here
What began as isolated, protest-related disruptions has grown into a sweeping tool of control. As one analyst put it, “The Kremlin failed to control the internet 20 years ago, but they’re getting closer now.” For many Russians, the web is no longer a given, but a privilege.
