In a sweeping move to tighten control over digital communications, Russia has ramped up its restrictions on internet access across the country. Office employees find themselves grappling with blocked websites, teenagers constantly forced to switch between virtual private networks (VPNs), and taxi drivers struggling to navigate Moscow’s streets without reliable online maps. This intensified crackdown reflects the Kremlin’s determination to assert dominance over the online sphere, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Over the past week, residents in central Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other prominent urban centers have experienced complete shutdowns of mobile internet services on a daily basis. These disruptions have been noted by journalists on the ground as well as several senior foreign diplomats stationed in Russia. The government has also targeted popular messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp, imposing restrictions and blocking dozens of VPN services that Russians use to bypass censorship and access banned content.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged these measures, explaining that they stem partly from foreign companies’ refusal to comply with Russian laws and partly from security concerns related to Ukrainian drone threats. These drones reportedly utilize cellular networks for navigation, prompting authorities to take preemptive steps to safeguard critical infrastructure. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen internal security amid the ongoing war and perceived external threats.
In addition to technical restrictions, new legislation has empowered Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) with sweeping authority. Mobile operators are now legally required to disconnect any user upon the FSB’s demand, and the agency has been granted the power to establish a network of pre-trial detention centers under its direct control. These developments highlight the Kremlin’s intent to consolidate power and suppress dissent, especially as the war with Ukraine continues to place strain on public support.
Diplomats familiar with the situation suggest that these measures are designed to prepare for various scenarios, including a prolonged conflict or a potential peace agreement that might trigger unrest. The Kremlin appears determined to avoid a repeat of the social upheaval that followed the Soviet Union’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, which contributed to widespread instability and the eventual collapse of the USSR in 1991. Russian security services are reportedly working to create a robust system that can maintain order regardless of how the war unfolds.
Experts like investigative journalist Andrei Soldatov emphasize that the current clampdown is rooted in historical lessons. The chaos of the early 1990s, marked by fractured security agencies and lawlessness, remains a cautionary tale for Russia’s leadership. The government’s current approach aims to prevent any similar breakdown by exerting tight control over the digital realm, which has become a critical battleground for influence and information.
Russian authorities have also drawn inspiration from countries known for stringent internet regulation, such as China and Iran. They have tasked officials with developing capabilities to selectively block large portions of both mobile and fixed internet networks while maintaining control over online communications. This strategy reflects a sophisticated approach to censorship that balances disruption with the need to keep essential services operational.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has enacted some of the most repressive internet laws seen since the Soviet era, significantly expanding censorship powers and enhancing the FSB’s role. President Vladimir Putin, a former KGB officer, underscored this approach during the FSB’s annual meeting in February, urging the agency to intensify its fight against terrorism—broadly defined to include Ukrainian attacks—and to reinforce control over the country’s digital information space.
While Kremlin officials defend these actions as necessary for national security and unity in the face of Western attempts to sow discord, critics argue that the measures severely restrict freedom of expression and privacy. The state’s digital watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has remained silent on these developments, but the impact on everyday internet users is palpable. The crackdown has escalated to unprecedented levels, with mobile internet shutdowns becoming routine in certain regions, especially following major Ukrainian drone strikes.
By mid-January, Russia had blocked over 400 VPN services—an increase of 70% compared to late 2022—making it increasingly difficult for citizens to circumvent censorship. The government’s recent focus on messaging apps has also intensified. Telegram, with over a billion active users globally and widespread popularity in both Russia and Ukraine, has faced deliberate slowdowns and criminal investigations targeting its founder, Pavel Durov. Russian authorities accuse Telegram of being infiltrated by Ukrainian and NATO intelligence, alleging that this has led to Russian military casualties. Telegram has denied these claims, asserting that the Kremlin’s goal is to force users onto a state-backed messaging app called MAX, which is being promoted in schools and universities for official communications.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, was completely blocked last month after failing to comply with Russian regulations. Meta condemned the ban as a setback for digital security in Russia. Meanwhile, many young Russians continue to seek ways around the restrictions, frequently switching VPNs not for political reasons but simply to access popular Western social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, which remain blocked.
Amid this digital siege, voices like Andrei’s highlight a growing frustration among the populace. He questions why the government, with its extensive control, has not fostered the development of engaging Russian alternatives to these Western apps. This sentiment underscores a broader challenge for the Kremlin: balancing its desire for control with the public’s demand for connectivity and modern digital experiences.
