**Kremlin Cracks Down on Mobile Internet Ahead of Victory Day**
The Kremlin has announced that mobile internet restrictions will be enforced in Moscow and several Russian regions starting from May 7. This move comes ahead of Russia’s Victory Day, a key propaganda event for President Vladimir Putin marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
According to Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, the measures are necessary due to “dangerous neighbors.” He claimed that these restrictions are not disruptions, but rather a necessary step to ensure that Victory Day is celebrated at an appropriate level. The clampdown may last until May 10.
**Internet Restrictions Across Russia**
The internet restrictions began on May 5 during rehearsals for the May 9 Victory Day parade. At least eight regions and 30 cities, including St. Petersburg and Moscow, have been affected by these measures. In Mordovia and Saransk, authorities shut down internet access after a Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Optical Fiber Systems plant.
Independent Russian outlets have reported outages in several other regions, including Vladimir Oblast, Voronezh, Orel, and Taganrog. Residents of Moscow and its surrounding region have also experienced disruptions, including ATM failures, halted card payments in stores, and food delivery issues.
**Ukraine’s Drone Attacks**
Ukraine has previously shown that it can reach Moscow with drones. The latest incident, which targeted the Optical Fiber Systems plant, is just one example of Ukraine’s capabilities. Experts believe that this move is a strategic response to Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.
**International Guests Arriving in Russia**
Despite the internet restrictions, several world leaders are expected to visit Russia from May 7-10 to discuss Ukraine, Russia-U.S. relations, and energy cooperation with Putin. These guests include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
**Criticism of Unilateral Truce**
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the move as a “theatrical performance,” claiming that it violates norms of ceasefire negotiations. Experts agree with Zelensky’s assessment, suggesting that Russia’s announcement is an attempt to garner international support.
As Tim Zadorozhnyy, a news editor at The Kyiv Independent, noted: “This unilateral truce announced by Putin is not only a theatrical performance but also a clear indication of his willingness to break all norms and conventions to achieve his goals.”
**Victory Day Celebrations**
The Victory Day parade is set to take place on May 9, with at least 29 world leaders and military personnel from 13 countries expected in attendance. Despite the internet restrictions, the Kremlin is working hard to ensure that this key propaganda event goes ahead smoothly.
In conclusion, the Kremlin’s decision to enforce mobile internet restrictions across Russia comes as no surprise given the country’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. As international guests arrive in Russia to discuss sensitive topics, it remains to be seen how these measures will impact Victory Day celebrations and Russia’s relationship with the global community.
