Mobile internet outages occurred in Moscow and St. Petersburg on May 5, 2026, amid heightened security measures for Victory Day celebrations. Users reported that only select ‘whitelist’ websites were accessible during this period.
Reports indicated that the outages began early in the day. A foreigner in Moscow stated, “Today, mobile internet really isn’t working since the morning.” A waitress at PioNero cafe noted, “They’re jamming the signal as much as possible today,” highlighting the ongoing issues.
By midday, the Digital Development Ministry in Moscow announced that initial mobile internet restrictions had ended. However, Wi-Fi connections at cafes and hotels in St. Petersburg remained intermittent.
In a related incident, Verizon users across the U.S. began experiencing mobile service outages around 7:36 a.m. CT on May 5. This disruption added to the growing concerns about mobile connectivity during significant events.
The impact of internet outages is significant. In 2025, prolonged outages cost the global economy $19.7 billion. That year saw over 200 internet outages across 28 countries, affecting approximately 800 million people.
The current situation highlights ongoing security concerns surrounding major national events like Victory Day. Prolonged internet outages are often linked to political decisions made during periods of unrest or heightened security.
As this situation unfolds, officials have not confirmed whether further restrictions will be implemented beyond today. The potential implications for local businesses and citizens remain uncertain.
