Russia Enforces Internet Shutdowns in Moscow, Citing Security and Control
Reliability
Based on 43 sources, 4 official
Publications (25)
Sources (43)Fact-Checking
90 claimsIn Russia, authorities continue to block popular apps and sites, and in Moscow, mobile internet has recently been completely or partially down.
Rumors circulating in Moscow claim that Vladimir Putin is worried about a possible coup attempt organized by the faction of Sergei Shoigu.
The Kremlin's anxiety has prompted authorities to partially disable internet access in central Moscow, especially near sensitive military and security installations.
Open Questions
5 questionsThe restrictions are justified as security measures against Ukrainian drone attacks.
According to SVT Nyheter, Ilta-Sanomat, TV4 Nyheterna, The Guardian - Main UK, Daily Express - Main, Daily Express - World, BLT Blekinge Läns Tidning, The Independent - World, www.yahoo.com, kyivindependent.comThe restrictions are due to Kremlin fears of a hacked surveillance apparatus or a potential coup attempt by Sergei Shoigu's faction.
According to Daily Express - World, Daily Mirror - Main, www.aol.com, www.the-express.comContext: This disagreement highlights whether the shutdowns are primarily for external security (drone defense) or internal political control (preventing dissent or a coup), affecting how readers interpret the Kremlin's motives and stability.
Rumors claim Putin fears a coup attempt by Shoigu's faction, linked to internet outages and arrests of his associates.
According to www.aol.com, www.the-express.com, Daily Mirror - Main, Ilta-SanomatExperts dismiss the rumors as baseless, noting VChK-OGPU acknowledges it as a 'conspiracy theory' and Shoigu's role lacks leverage for a coup.
According to www.yahoo.com, kyivindependent.comContext: This contradiction affects whether readers view the internet disruptions as part of a political power struggle or unrelated to such plots, influencing perceptions of Kremlin instability.
Disruptions started on March 5 and have lasted for two weeks, with widespread issues in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
According to Ilta-Sanomat, Sveriges Radio Nyheter, Daily Mirror - MainDisruptions have been reported for about a week in central Moscow and St. Petersburg.
According to The Guardian - Main UK, TV4 NyheternaContext: The discrepancy in timing and extent could indicate varying reporting accuracy or evolving situations, affecting understanding of the disruption's severity and duration.