Russian Government Shuts Down Moscow Internet Amid Drone Attacks

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Though the move has been framed as a deterrent to Ukrainian drone attacks, it comes as part of a broader push for internet censorship inside Russia.

The Russian government has temporarily shut down mobile internet service in Moscow in an attempt to stop Ukrainian kamikaze drone attacks. 

Ukrainian drone attacks have caused significant damage to Russian military, industrial, and energy targets.

No Mobile Internet for Russians

“A mobile internet shutdown in the Moscow region … is likely intended by the Russian state to disrupt Ukrainian attacks with uncrewed aerial systems,” the British Ministry of Defence wrote in its latest operational update on the Ukrainian conflict. 

The shutdown has had a significant effect on the Russian economy, especially on e-commerce services. Access to online services has been limited. Moreover, everyday functions, such as online navigation, are restricted. As a result, many Muscovites are reportedly buying paper maps and pagers. Even websites “whitelisted” by the Kremlin have been difficult to access. 

The Russian government has been somewhat vague about the situation. Indeed, the Kremlin has only offered a limited explanation behind the internet mobile service shutdown, claiming that Ukraine has been using increasingly sophisticated means of one-way unmanned aerial systems—something that requires enhanced technological protection measures. 

It is not only Moscow that has been affected by internet shutdowns. Other provinces across Russia have been experiencing similar internet service shutdowns since at least the summer.  

Ukraine continues to use one-way attack unmanned aerial systems for kinetic strikes across Russia, holding at risk high-value military, defense industry, and critical infrastructure targets.  

Russia’s Internet Shutdown Is a Mechanism of Control, Too

The Kremlin’s measures are in part directed to limit opportunities for the Ukrainian military and security services to strike inside Russia. But there is also a more sinister reason behind the mobile internet shutdown and other measures taken by the Kremlin. Like something out of George Orwell’s 1984, the Kremlin has sought to exercise greater and greater control over the means of communication between ordinary Russians.

In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law legislation that requires telecommunications companies to suspend operations at the request of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia’s domestic intelligence service and a rough equivalent to the FBI. Under the new legislation, the FSB will be able to monitor people’s communications and shut down mobile and home internet service, and any other methods of communication without a warrant when it deems that there is a national security concern.

Moreover, the Kremlin is blocking popular social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram, in favor of “Max,” a regime-made alternative. 

“The Kremlin aims to force Russian citizens to switch to Russian state-backed messaging app Max, which is regarded by many cyber security experts as a surveillance tool,” the British Ministry of Defence added.

The Russian Army has banned the use of the Telegram social media application by troops. Any Russian soldiers caught using Telegram to communicate are reportedly reassigned to a frontline assault unit, where death is a near certainty within days.

“These measures constitute a further constriction of the information space in Russia by the Russian authorities who perceive Russia to be under information attack from the West,” the British Ministry of Defence wrote.  

The war is not going as the Kremlin expected, and the Russian government is taking extreme measures to avoid defeat. But the conflict also offers the opportunity for Putin to tighten his control over Russian society.  

About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou  

Stavros Atlamazoglouis a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operationsand a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

© The National Interest