Story perspectives

Russia's Internet Shutdown: Kremlin Cites Safety Amid Threats

3/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

A mobile internet shutdown began March 5 in Moscow and spread to Saint Petersburg, disrupting access to foreign websites and services.
The Kremlin says the outages are safety measures against Ukrainian drone threats.
Reports suggest Putin has increased security around his residences due to internal threats.
Critics, including Dmitry Gudkov, opposition politician, say the shutdown reflects Putin's anxiety over intelligence tracking, especially after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei.

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Story summary

A mobile internet shutdown began March 5 in Moscow and spread to Saint Petersburg, disrupting access to foreign websites and services.
The Kremlin says the outages are safety measures against Ukrainian drone threats.
Reports suggest Putin has increased security around his residences due to internal threats.
Critics, including Dmitry Gudkov, opposition politician, say the shutdown reflects Putin's anxiety over intelligence tracking, especially after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei.