Full Breakdown
Fears of Assassination Prompt Internet Shutdown in Russia
3/22/2026, 9:48:25 PM
Unprecedented Internet Blackout
A significant mobile internet shutdown in Russia has raised concerns about a potential digital crackdown, coinciding with heightened fears regarding President Vladimir Putin's safety. The blackout, first reported in some suburbs of Moscow on March 5, has since spread throughout the capital and into Saint Petersburg, disrupting access to foreign websites, taxi and delivery applications, and various government services. The Kremlin has characterized these outages as necessary safety measures to protect against potential Ukrainian drone attacks utilizing satellite communications.
Security Concerns Surrounding Putin
Reports from pro-Kremlin bloggers indicate that Putin has intensified security measures around his residences in Moscow, Sochi, and the Kremlin. A source from Russian security services, cited by the INSIDER-T Telegram channel, suggested that Putin is facing an "internal threat," including a purported plot to use "biochemical material" or explosives against him. Although these claims remain unverified, they reflect a growing atmosphere of paranoia within the Kremlin.
The context of these security concerns is further complicated by the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike on February 28. Following Khamenei's death, which was reportedly facilitated by intelligence tracking through hacked street cameras, Putin has notably reduced his public appearances. Reports indicate a nine-day gap between his public events at the Kremlin since March 9, marking one of the longest periods of absence this year, with many meetings conducted virtually or appearing to be pre-recorded.
Reactions from Political Figures
The implications of the internet shutdown and the surrounding security measures have drawn commentary from various political figures. Andrey Pinchuk, the first minister of state security of the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic in Ukraine, linked the internet disruptions to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Russian opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov expressed concerns that the Kremlin's alarm over Khamenei's assassination stems from the effectiveness of U.S. and Israeli intelligence in tracking high-profile targets.
Kremlin critic Bill Browder remarked on the situation, stating that the internet blackout in Moscow is a reflection of Putin's insecurity, suggesting, "These are not the acts of a guy who is self-confident." He further connected the shutdown to fears that similar intelligence tactics could be used against Putin.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Kremlin has attributed the internet outages to security measures, the lack of transparency surrounding the true motivations behind the shutdown has led to speculation and skepticism. The unverified nature of the claims regarding assassination plots and the rationale for the internet blackout highlights a significant gap in reliable information, contributing to a climate of uncertainty and fear within Russia.
