Mobile internet and SMS services to be fully disabled in Moscow on Victory Day
The Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media has said mobile internet and SMS services will be fully suspended in Moscow on 9 May to ensure "safe celebrations" of Victory Day. [Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, celebrated on 9 May – ed.]
Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza
Quote: "The Russian Ministry of Digital Development announced that access to mobile internet – including the so-called 'whitelist' of websites – and SMS messaging will be temporarily restricted in Moscow on 9 May. It says this is necessary 'to ensure the security of public events during Victory Day celebrations on 9 May'." [The white list refers to pre-approved online resources that remain accessible during broader internet restrictions – ed.]
Details: Meduza reported that no restrictions on mobile internet are planned in the Russian capital on 7-8 May, ahead of the parade.
Background:
- On 29 April, Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian leader, said that Vladimir Putin had held a phone call with US President Donald Trump, during which Putin said he is willing to declare a "ceasefire" on 9 May.
- Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy said it was "dishonest" of Russia to kill Ukrainians and then ask for a one-day ceasefire.
- On 4 May, Russia's Ministry of Defence unilaterally declared a "truce" for 8 and 9 May and warned that if the Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May is "disrupted", it will launch a large-scale missile strike on central Kyiv.
- On the same day, Zelenskyy announced the introduction of a ceasefire, set to begin at exactly 00:00 on 6 May. Russia violated it within the first minutes.
- Zelenskyy stated that Russia had violated the ceasefire introduced by Kyiv from the beginning of 6 May, adding that Ukraine would respond in kind.
- On 7 May, Russia reported a large-scale drone attack targeting several regions and Moscow. The Defence Ministry claimed 317 drones had been downed, while the Kremlin did not disclose how many reached their targets.
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