Russia is throttling messaging apps and implementing intermittent mobile internet shutdowns to counter potential Ukrainian drone attacks. The government justifies these measures as necessary to prevent drones from using cellular networks for navigation.
The restrictions have disrupted essential services including ride-hailing and electronic payment systems. These outages are impacting daily commerce and consumer activity across the country.
The crackdown targets major foreign platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and YouTube. While the Kremlin promotes state-backed alternatives, the transition has raised significant domestic concerns regarding increased government surveillance.
Opposition to the policy now includes business leaders and pro-government figures alongside ordinary citizens. This widespread discontent is reportedly pressuring the Kremlin and contributing to a decline in President Putin’s approval ratings.