May 5, 2026

Internet and communication restrictions are back in Russia before May 9. We tell you which services are not working in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities

Ahead of Victory Day, authorities are introducing restrictions on mobile communication and the internet in Moscow, the Moscow region, and other regions. MTS, Yota, MegaFon, T2, and Beeline, as well as Sber and Yandex Go services, have already reported disruptions. Authorities explain the measures by security concerns and expect public "understanding". More details in the material of "Novaya-Europe". Photo: Maxim Shipenkov / EPA. Mobile Internet Mobile operators have warned residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg about restrictions on mobile internet and SMS services from May 5 to May 9. Users of MTS, Yota, MegaFon, T2, and Beeline have received messages about this. "To ensure security measures in Moscow, temporary restrictions on mobile internet and SMS services are possible during the preparation and holding of festive events from May 5 to May 9," says an alert from Beeline. Users are recommended to use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet. MTS clarified that the restrictions may also affect the Moscow region. They also noted that the lack of communication could lead to problems "with non-cash payments, ATM use, and geo-services." Earlier, sources of the BBC Russian Service warned that this year, before the Victory Day parade on May 9 in Moscow, there would be "more powerful" restrictions on mobile communications. In particular, on May 5, 7, and 9, all mobile communications, SMS sending, and the operation of "white lists" may be restricted in the capital. Last year, before and during Victory Day in Moscow, there were already mass internet outages. At that time, Yandex services, the online cinema IVI, the delivery service Samokat, and the stores VkusVill and Lamoda also warned about problems with their services. At the same time, the authorities said that people "need to approach this with understanding." This year, Vladimir Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that "most of our fellow citizens understand the expediency and necessity of these measures," referring to regular internet shutdowns. Banks Restrictions have affected not only the internet directly but also many other services that Russians use daily. For example, Sberbank warned clients that in the coming days, there may be difficulties with mobile internet and SMS services in some regions. "What you might notice? Logging into the Sberbank Online app is difficult; SMS codes arrive with a delay. If this happens, know that the SMS codes sent to you are saved in the notification history in the app. As soon as the connection returns, you will see them in the "Transaction History" section," the Bank explained. According to "Novaya Gazeta," users from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and other cities received such messages today. SberBusiness clients were separately advised to set up alternative authorization methods in advance: by PIN code or QR code. T-Bank clients also received notifications that "mobile internet and SMS restrictions are possible due to ensuring the security of the holidays." Users were recommended to switch to Wi-Fi. In addition, "Verstka" noted that banks have begun to disable chats with other users in their applications. Previously, Russians used them as an alternative communication method. " When trying to send a text message in Sber, a warning appears that "correspondence is no longer supported," and "comments on transfers are available in the transaction history." Sber support confirmed that the option is "gradually being disabled," writes "Verstka." Photo: Maxim Shipenkov / EPA. Taxis and Delivery The Yandex Go service warned of possible disruptions when ordering taxis in Moscow. "There are currently problems with stable communication: the service may not work correctly. Not all drivers can go online and accept orders," says the Yandex Go app. The head of the Moscow Taxi Drivers' Union, Nikolay Kodolov, still hopes that "the restrictions will only affect the areas where the rehearsal is taking place, i.e., the center." According to him, "it is better to get out of there using public transport, and taxi drivers should exclude these zones from their work." "If the communication is completely shut down, even with "white lists," it will be impossible to get an order. Will it be possible to pay for the trip? Yes, the amount for non-cash payment is reserved when placing an order and is saved for some time," he said. Photo: Yuri Kochetkov / EPA. Delivery services also reported possible problems and long waits for orders. Artyom Khalimonenko, founder of the FoodBand service, told "Kommersant" that ordering will be possible by connecting to Wi-Fi, but this "will create difficulties": - Many services now have prepayment: the order is placed and immediately paid for, especially through aggregators. More local players will have a significantly harder time. Couriers will not be able to perform some functions: close the order, mark arrival to the client. In his opinion, the company will have to change business processes: "For example, the order will be closed not at the moment of delivery, but later, when the courier returns to the base and connects to Wi-Fi." The scooter rental service Whoosh had to provide two alternative payment methods for rides so that they could be used during outages: using the "Troika" card and via SMS.