Full Breakdown
Life Without Internet: The New Normal in Russia's Regions
11/28/2025, 2:04:14 PM
Transformative Impact of Internet Outages
In recent months, mobile internet outages have become a pervasive issue in various regions of Russia, significantly affecting daily life. Authorities in the Siberian republics of Khakassia and Sakha (Yakutia) have implemented budget cuts that impact monetary support for soldiers fighting in Ukraine and their families. These cuts include the cessation of one-time payments, such as the 1.1 million rubles ($14,000) previously allocated to families of deceased soldiers in Khakassia.
The situation is exacerbated by ongoing food supply shortages in remote settlements, such as Nikolskoe on the Far East Commander Islands, which recently received its first food delivery in over three months. Residents in the Krasnoyarsk region have also reported empty store shelves, with only basic items like spices and pasta remaining available.
Widespread Internet Blackouts
The Volga River region has emerged as the first area to impose a permanent mobile internet blackout, with the Ulyanovsk region recently introducing restrictions that extend beyond sensitive government and military facilities. Entire suburbs in Ulyanovsk have experienced complete mobile internet access loss, a situation that residents describe as increasingly inconvenient. One Ufa resident noted, “The jamming is constant. Some parts of the city never have internet,” highlighting the disruption to navigation and daily activities.
The outages are attributed to security concerns, particularly following drone attacks on a major oil-refining complex in Ufa owned by Bashneft. As a result, areas surrounding the refinery and the city's airport have been cut off from mobile internet. Locals have adapted by relying on cash transactions and SMS communication, as digital payment methods have become less viable.
Economic Consequences
The Central Bank of Russia reported a significant increase in cash circulation, with an additional 659 billion rubles ($8 billion) in circulation between July and September 2023. This rise is directly linked to the internet outages, which have forced residents to store more money in cash and rely less on digital payment systems. Businesses are also adjusting their operations, with many switching to SMS for client communication and appointment scheduling.
Official Statements & Responses
Bashkortostan's head, Radiy Khabirov, acknowledged the systemic nature of the internet outages, stating, "We need to come to terms with it and understand that the special military operation is not somewhere 2,000 kilometers away and that we are also participants in these events." This sentiment reflects a broader recognition among regional leaders of the ongoing impact of the conflict in Ukraine on local life.
Criticism & Opposition
Residents have expressed frustration over the internet blackouts, with some referring to their internet-deprived suburbs as "an exclusion zone." The lack of connectivity has not only disrupted daily activities but has also raised concerns about the long-term implications for local economies and social interactions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While many regions report similar experiences with internet outages, the specific causes and duration of these disruptions can vary. Some residents attribute the outages to government policies, while others cite technical failures or weather-related issues. Further investigation is needed to clarify the extent and reasons behind these widespread internet blackouts across Russia.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is extremely inconvenient. The jamming is constant. Some parts of the city never have internet. Sometimes I lose GPS while driving and suddenly have no idea where to go next,” — Ufa Resident
- “I order taxis through Wi-Fi at home 100% of the time. Otherwise, I use a bus or walk,” — Ufa Resident
