As Moscow gears up for its grand Victory Day celebrations, residents are finding it harder to hail a taxi, pay for groceries, or even scroll on their phones.
What was supposed to be a time of national pride has unexpectedly turned into a frustrating struggle with digital silence.
From food delivery chaos to flight cancellations, the city’s mobile internet blackout is leaving a noticeable mark on daily routines.
Mobile Internet Blackouts Cause Mayhem for Everyday Services
It all started on May 5, but things got noticeably worse by the morning of May 7.
Moscow residents woke up to find their mobile internet suddenly unresponsive, just days before the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.
Apps for taxis and food delivery—essential tools in the city’s fast-paced lifestyle—were plagued with connection issues.
People trying to grab a quick breakfast or catch a ride were met with loading screens and error messages.
Even something as basic as grabbing syrniki for breakfast became an ordeal.
To make matters worse, many ATMs weren’t working, and several shops had to resort to cash-only payments.
Major Apps and Services Send Out Warnings
Several popular platforms including Samokat, Yandex, Sberbank, and IVI sent out notices to users, warning them of service interruptions through May 9.
Russia’s Fast Payment System also flagged temporary problems.
Banks like Sberbank acknowledged that users might face issues when trying to access mobile banking apps, while other providers were bracing for ongoing instability.
Across the board, services were either lagging, inaccessible, or warning users in advance.
Flights Get Grounded as Disruptions Spread
Adding to the chaos, airlines began cancelling flights in and out of Moscow.
Major carriers like Aeroflot, S7, Pobeda, and Ural Airlines called off trips, citing safety and logistical concerns.
Passengers were either offered refunds or options to reschedule their flights—another blow to those hoping to travel during the long holiday period.
Blame Falls on Security Measures and Drone Threats
So, what’s behind the widespread shutdown? The official explanation points to security concerns, particularly the threat of drone attacks from Ukraine.
According to Downdetector, mobile networks such as T2, Megafon, and Beeline experienced large-scale outages—particularly in and around Moscow.
Megafon emphasized that the situation was out of their hands, while Moscow officials warned residents in advance that internet and traffic restrictions could be expected due to the arrival of international delegations for the Victory Day events.
Over 30 Cities Affected Beyond Moscow
The blackouts weren’t limited to the capital. By the night of May 7, more than 30 other cities were impacted as part of a large-scale preventative move.
Entire regions including Tver, Yaroslavl, Leningrad, Kursk, and Mordovia saw internet access go dark, with Saransk among the hardest hit.
Local governments confirmed that this wasn’t a technical glitch—it was an intentional step taken to tighten security ahead of national celebrations.
Lawmakers Defend the Outages as Necessary
State Duma deputy Anton Nemkin backed the blackout decision, stating that these types of digital disruptions are a necessary sacrifice in the name of public safety.
“It’s not ideal,” he admitted, “but protecting citizens during such a high-profile event is more important than maintaining daily digital conveniences.”
To help offset the inconvenience, authorities have kept public Wi-Fi networks available, hoping it’ll offer some relief to residents and tourists alike.
A City Caught Between Celebration and Concern
As Moscow rolls out the red carpet for Victory Day, it’s doing so under a tight security lens.
While parades and commemorative events will go ahead, everyday life has hit a temporary standstill.
With phone screens frozen and cards declining, Muscovites are left navigating their routines the old-fashioned way—cash in hand and a lot of patience.