- WIADOMOŚCI
Mobile communication restrictions in Moscow
In connection with the planned Victory Day parade, “more severe” restrictions on mobile communications are expected. Vladimir Putin has warned of “terrorist activity.”
The Russian-language BBC reported on the restrictions. Access to all mobile communications—likely including SMS messages and government-regulated websites—will be limited on May 5, 7, and 9. The restrictions are expected to affect not only central Moscow but also more remote districts of the capital.
Mobile internet has already been regularly shut down in central Moscow since early March. As a result, navigation systems and payment terminals have been out of service. The internet was unavailable for three weeks before being restored on March 24, without any further explanation.
The Russian Ministry of Defence announced that no column of military vehicles will take part in the parade on Red Square on May 9. This will be the first such occurrence since 2007. A Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explained that the decision was made “due to the terrorist threat,” adding that “measures are being taken to minimise the danger.” Peskov also cited Vladimir Putin’s earlier warnings about “terrorist activity” allegedly coming from the “Kyiv regime.”
Until now, the annual Victory Day parade on Red Square—commemorating the victory in World War II—has been an opportunity for the authorities to showcase their military hardware. This year, the Russian Ministry of Defence plans only flyovers by aerobatic teams and Su-25 aircraft.
