Russia shuts down mobile internet 'until end of special military operation'
Illustrative photo: Mobile internet shut down for Russia (Getty Images)
In Russia, authorities have begun implementing permanent mobile internet shutdowns in certain regions under the pretext of "protecting facilities related to the special operation," according to Russian media.
The first city affected was Ulyanovsk, according to Russian media. Journalists report that the restrictions are permanent — they do not depend on air raid alerts or specific attacks.
The reason cited is a local government decision to expand "safety zones" around military and infrastructure facilities. Formally, this is justified as a measure to counter Ukrainian drones, which are allegedly able to navigate using mobile network signals.
Photo: Location of Ulyanovsk (screenshot)
According to Russian media, mobile internet restrictions were previously implemented only during immediate air threats, but now they have become permanent.
The Russian government stated that the federal center has expanded "safety zones" around strategic facilities, and residential neighborhoods, office buildings, and social institutions have fallen within the restricted areas.
At the same time, officials said information about the specific districts where mobile internet has been shut down is not being disclosed "for security reasons."
In Moscow, navigation systems began being jammed within the Bulvarnoe and Sadovoye rings during preparations for the May 9 parade. Such measures have occurred before, but previously, navigation jamming was limited only to areas near the Kremlin.
RBC-Ukraine has previously reported that Russia has begun a massive recruitment of reservists, allegedly to guard critically important infrastructure. The formation of such units has started in at least 20 Russian regions.
