May 7, 2026

Mobile Internet Will Be Completely Shut Down in Moscow on May 9

In Moscow on May 9, access to mobile internet, including the 'whitelist' of sites and SMS messages, will be 'temporarily restricted.' This was reported by the Ministry of Digital Development. They claim that on May 7-8, communication and internet will be available. However, 'operational restrictions' may be imposed 'in case of security threats.' Not only the capital. Large-scale communication restrictions are being prepared in more than twenty Russian regions due to the May 9 celebration. Banks, operators, and online services are already warning of possible disruptions. Context. It became known on the eve that part of the Ministry of Digital Development's powers will officially be transferred to the FSB. The department will undergo reorganization, involving mass layoffs. At least two deputy ministers are planning to leave the Ministry of Digital Development. Earlier, The Bell reported that as of at least summer 2025, the Second Service of the FSB, responsible for the poisoning of Navalny and Kara-Murza, is behind the blocking of the Runet and the fight against VPNs. 'Sedov [head of the Second Service] allegedly promised Putin to bring order to the internet and received carte blanche,' one of the sources told journalists.