Russia Increases Mobile Internet Shutdowns Amid Ukrainian Drone Attacks

In response to a series of successful drone strikes by Ukraine deep within Russian territory, Russian authorities have ramped up the frequency of mobile internet shutdowns. These measures, aimed at thwarting potential attacks, have been documented by the Russian organization ?? ????? (Na Svyazi), which monitors such disruptions.

The uptick in mobile network outages was particularly notable following the anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in World War II on May 9. Just weeks after this celebration, Ukraine launched drone assaults on multiple airports across Russia, utilizing the Russian mobile network for coordination.

According to reports, June alone saw 654 instances of mobile network shutdowns across various regions in Russia. These disruptions affected not only areas adjacent to Ukraine but also extended as far as Siberia. Even the capital, Moscow, experienced mobile service interruptions. Experts from the Council on Foreign Relations in the United States suggest that these shutdowns are deemed effective in countering drone threats, indicating that they may continue as a strategy by Russian authorities.

The spokesperson for the Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov, acknowledged that these mobile service blockades are imposed due to security concerns. The founder of the civil rights organization Roskomsvoboda pointed out that it has become commonplace for Russian officials to shut down the internet at will.

During a particularly effective attack in early June, which targeted airports and military aircraft, Ukrainian forces reportedly utilized drones concealed within cargo trucks parked near their objectives. The operation relied on the Russian mobile network for remote control, which allowed for real-time video feeds from the drones.

These developments raise significant concerns regarding the impact on daily life for the Russian populace, who are increasingly finding themselves without internet access while on the move. As the situation evolves, the implications for communication and information dissemination in Russia remain critical.