[50224] Extensive mobile internet restrictions in Moscow and Saint Petersburg ahead of Victory Day

Restrictions on mobile communications in Moscow and Saint Petersburg

Residents of Moscow and Saint Petersburg are reporting widespread disruptions and deliberate disconnections of mobile internet, which are expected to last from May 5 to May 9, 2026. According to reports from numerous Telegram channels, including Раньше всех. Ну почти. and Осторожно, новости, major telecom companies have begun sending SMS notifications to their customers, advising them to switch to Wi-Fi and VoLTE services for voice communication.

The official reason for the restrictions, as published by RT на русском and channels associated with the Kremlin, is to "ensure security measures" ahead of Victory Day events and the military parade on May 9. However, more critical voices on Telegram, such as Двач, describe the situation as a "forced digital detox" and note that in the worst-case scenario, residents could be left without mobile internet for 96 consecutive hours.

The consequences of the disconnection are far-reaching: according to МТС and Не баг, а фича, the disruptions are expected to affect contactless payments, ATMs, and geolocation services. Reports indicate that the restrictions extend beyond the city centers and cover vast areas within the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD).

While pro-government channels like МИГ России present the move as an unavoidable security necessity in light of "terrorist threats," independent and opposition channels such as Медуза — все новости and SOTA highlight the disruption to daily life and business activities in Russia's major cities.