Russia Plans Widespread Mobile Shutdown in Moscow Ahead of May 9 Parade

Russian authorities are preparing to impose sweeping restrictions on mobile communications across Moscow in the lead-up to the May 9 Victory Day parade, according to two sources familiar with the plans cited by BBC Russian Service on April 29.

The measures are expected to be more extensive than in previous years and are reportedly scheduled for May 5, 7, and 9.

According to the sources, the restrictions will affect not only mobile internet but also SMS services and even certain “whitelisted” platforms that typically remain accessible during outages.

The disruption is likely to extend beyond central Moscow to cover the entire area within the city’s ring road, significantly widening the scope of previous shutdowns.

Expanding restrictions after earlier shutdown

The planned restrictions follow a previous mobile internet shutdown in early March that lasted nearly three weeks. Authorities at the time said the меры were tied to “security” concerns and would remain in place as long as necessary.

While the restrictions primarily affected central districts, some users were still able to access limited online services through approved “white lists.”

The outage had noticeable effects on daily life. Residents and visitors reportedly increased purchases of paper maps and guidebooks, as well as alternative communication devices such as radios and pagers. SMS usage and voice traffic also rose sharply during the blackout.

According to an IT market source cited by Kommersant, the economic damage from the shutdown was estimated at roughly 1 billion rubles per day.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Russia Strips Tanks From May 9 Victory Day Parade for First Time Since Ukraine Invasion

Apr 29, 2026 11:48

Parade scaled back amid security concerns

The communications crackdown comes as Russia scales down its Victory Day parade in Moscow.

The Defense Ministry confirmed on April 28 that no column of military hardware will participate in this year’s event on Red Square—the first such omission since 2007. Since 2008, tanks, armored vehicles, and strategic missile systems have been a central feature of the parade.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the event would take place in a “reduced format” due to the “operational situation.”

“The Kyiv regime, which is losing territory on the battlefield every day, has now fully turned to terrorist activity. And therefore, against the backdrop of this terrorist threat, all measures are being taken to minimize risks,” Peskov said.

He also noted that last year’s parade marked a major anniversary, while this year’s event is more routine. In 2026, Russia commemorates the 81st anniversary of victory in World War II.

The expanded communications restrictions suggest heightened security concerns surrounding the event, as authorities seek to control both physical and digital пространства in the capital.

Previously, during the past years’ military parade, for the first time, Russia unveiled a column of unmanned military vehicles used in strikes on Ukraine. Drones displayed included the “Orlan,” Zala, “Lancet,” “Harpia,” and “Geran” (Shahed).

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters work on the frontlines to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support helps them keep reporting.

SUPPORT