Access to mobile Internet will be cut in Moscow as well as SMS messaging services on the occasion of the May 9 celebrations, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media announced, reports Meduza.
Websites on a “white list”, which usually continue to operate during slowdowns or outages implemented by the authorities, will also be completely blocked.
The ministry’s press release indicates that this measure is necessary “to guarantee the security of the festivities organized on the occasion of Victory Day, May 9.” However, he affirms that there are no plans to cut or restrict access to mobile Internet in Moscow this May 8, the eve of the parade in Moscow.
If a so-called two-day truce is established between the two parties, Russia fears Ukrainian missile and drone attacks during the festivities. On Tuesday morning, Muscovites had already woken up without a mobile network, before access was largely restored.
An air of deja vu
By early March, Russian authorities had already blocked the mobile network in the capital and justified such closures as necessary to protect Moscow against drone attacks and acts of sabotage. Sales of alternative communication devices had also exploded following these numerous internet outages.
Russia also announced that it would not deploy military equipment this year for the May 9 military parade commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. No armored vehicles or missile systems will parade on Red Square.
Several military schools, cadet corps, “as well as the column of military equipment, will not participate in this year’s military parade due to the current operational situation,” explained the Ministry of Defense in a press release.
