Internet access on mobile devices has been limited as security is being ramped up due to Ukrainian threats
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has urged Moscow residents to be patient with security restrictions this week during Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Earlier, Ukraine had threatened foreign dignitaries visiting the Russian capital.
Muscovites have been reporting disruptions in mobile internet access since Tuesday, with providers attributing the issues to circumstances beyond their control.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Peskov acknowledged that the government had implemented restrictions “for understandable reasons” and encouraged residents to bear with the inconvenience.
“We have to take into account the dangerous neighbor we are dealing with, so to speak,” he stated, referring to Ukraine.
Foreign leaders and envoys from 29 countries are set to attend Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, which will culminate with a traditional military parade on Red Square.
President Vladimir Putin has declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine for three days during the celebrations. However, Kiev has refused to reciprocate, demanding an unconditional 30-day truce instead.
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has warned that his government cannot guarantee the safety of foreign leaders visiting Moscow. His chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, has posted a picture of his boss gazing at a burning Red Square with a line from a famous Soviet World War II-era song: “We have done everything we could to bring this day closer.”
At the same time, Ukrainian forces have intensified long-range drone strikes against Russia, including the capital. Previously, Kiev’s special services have allegedly used webcams to time detonations in various assassination plots.
“As Muscovites, we all certainly want Victory Day to be marked properly, and for all events to go as planned,” Peskov said. He added that the restrictions will likely remain in effect for the duration of the foreign guests’ stay in Russia.
Earlier in the week, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Zelensky of engaging in “classic terrorist behavior” by threatening civilians in Russia while soliciting additional funding from Western donors.
