Mobile internet and SMS services to be fully disabled in Moscow on Victory Day

May 7, 2026 - 04:09

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media has said mobile internet and SMS services will be fully suspended in Moscow on 9 May to ensure "safe celebrations" of Victory Day. [Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, celebrated on 9 May – ed.]

Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza

Quote: "The Russian Ministry of Digital Development announced that access to mobile internet – including the so-called 'whitelist' of websites – and SMS messaging will be temporarily restricted in Moscow on 9 May. It says this is necessary 'to ensure the security of public events during Victory Day celebrations on 9 May'." [The white list refers to pre-approved online resources that remain accessible during broader internet restrictions – ed.]

Details: Meduza reported that no restrictions on mobile internet are planned in the Russian capital on 7-8 May, ahead of the parade.

Background:

On 29 April, Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian leader, said that Vladimir Putin had held a phone call with US President Donald Trump, during which Putin said he is willing to declare a "ceasefire" on 9 May.
Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy said it was "dishonest" of Russia to kill Ukrainians and then ask for a one-day ceasefire.
On 4 May, Russia's Ministry of Defence unilaterally declared a "truce" for 8 and 9 May and warned that if the Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May is "disrupted", it will launch a large-scale missile strike on central Kyiv.
On the same day, Zelenskyy announced the introduction of a ceasefire, set to begin at exactly 00:00 on 6 May. Russia violated it within the first minutes.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia had violated the ceasefire introduced by Kyiv from the beginning of 6 May, adding that Ukraine would respond in kind.
On 7 May, Russia reported a large-scale drone attack targeting several regions and Moscow. The Defence Ministry claimed 317 drones had been downed, while the Kremlin did not disclose how many reached their targets.