Regular Internet Disruptions Sweep Across Russian Regions as Authorities Tackle Drone Threats

Recent weeks have seen a rise in mobile internet outages across many regions of Russia as authorities implement temporary shutdowns in response to Ukrainian drone strikes.

On Tuesday, at least 30 regions experienced disruptions related to measures aimed at countering incoming drones, as reported by the regional news source 7×7. They shared a map highlighting significant outage clusters in Russia’s southwestern, northwestern, and Siberian areas.

These shutdowns are starting to affect everyday life, with businesses unable to process card transactions, ATMs becoming unavailable, and taxi services reverting to phone calls instead of relying on online apps.

In the southern Saratov region, Governor Roman Busargins stated on Thursday that mobile internet access was being limited “to ensure security.” Officials claim that disabling mobile internet helps to stop Ukrainian drones from being directed or provided with targeting information via civilian networks.

On Wednesday, the technology monitoring group Na Svyazi noted mobile internet disruptions across 35 regions, indicating a potential record high.

The surge in outages began in early May as authorities heightened security measures in anticipation of Victory Day, Russia’s holiday on May 9 that honors the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.