Possible mobile internet shutdown on New Year's Eve
On New Year's Eve, Russia plans a possible mobile internet shutdown. This decision was announced in the State Duma of the Russian Federation and is caused, according to President Vladimir Putin, by the need to protect against drone attacks. In 2025, mobile internet in Russia was shut down more than 11 thousand times, indicating the regularity of such measures. The shutdown affected 80 regions of the country, highlighting the scale of this problem.
President's statements and public reaction
On December 19, 2025, Vladimir Putin confirmed the possibility of disconnecting the internet, indicating the 'concern for citizens so that they could 'walk and celebrate peacefully'. This wording indicates an attempt to present the shutdown as a security measure. At the same time, on December 27, 2025, disruptions in mobile internet service were recorded in occupied Crimea. The head of the occupying administration, Sergey Aksyonov, confirmed the introduction of restrictions, which, according to him, should be implemented as part of security measures.
Such actions by the authorities raise concerns among the population, as shutting down mobile internet could significantly impact citizens' ability to stay connected and exchange information during the holiday period. In conditions of heightened attention to security and potential threats, limiting access to mobile internet could also lead to an increase in anxiety among the population, as during the holiday season people usually wish to stay in touch with relatives and friends.