Internet blackouts disrupt daily life
Russian officials have sharply increased internet shutdowns as part of a strategy to block Ukrainian drone attacks. This move has caused major disruptions to everyday life, leaving millions unable to use online payments and forcing many to return to cash. Reports show that July 2025 saw more than 2,099 mobile internet outages, compared to just 69 in May. This is the highest monthly figure recorded anywhere in the world.
The widespread disconnections have pushed citizens to withdraw huge sums of money. Central Bank data shows around $2.5 billion worth of cash leaving banks each month in June and July. These shutdowns have not only slowed business activity but also forced shops to stop accepting cards, leading to customers abandoning their purchases when payment systems failed.
According to The Moscow Times 55 regions in Russia have been affected, with 12 regions facing both mobile and wired internet disruptions. Services such as taxis, food delivery, and even basic communication have been severely impacted. Some shop owners have warned that if the shutdowns continue, supply chains could also suffer.
Drone attacks spark the rise in shutdowns
The timing of these outages matches a major Ukrainian military operation. In early June, Ukraine launched Operation Spiderweb, using 117 drones to attack five Russian airbases. These drones were transported into Russian territory in trucks disguised as civilian vehicles. The strikes destroyed or damaged 41 aircraft, including long-range bombers, with estimated damages of about $7 billion.
After this, Russian authorities started to cut internet access more often. The monitoring group Na Svyazi reported a rise from 69 incidents in May to 662 in June, and then more than 2,000 in July.
From my view, this tactic shows that Russian leaders are willing to accept large internal disruptions if they believe it can reduce military losses. But this approach risks alienating citizens who depend on fast, stable internet for work and daily living. If people feel their economic survival is threatened, public trust may weaken further.
Crimea faces the worst conditions
The occupied territory of Crimea is under even harsher restrictions. Authorities there have warned that mobile internet could be cut off for long periods without notice. Local residents are being told to keep cash at home and to download offline maps in case navigation apps stop working.
Telecom company Volna has confirmed that upcoming blackouts will only allow free SMS and extra call minutes during downtime. This is a shift from earlier, shorter disruptions that began in December 2024.
Officials claim these measures are needed to block Ukrainian drones from using mobile networks to coordinate strikes. However, digital rights lawyer Sarkis Darbinyan that these shutdowns show how desperate local authorities have become. He argues that cutting off internet access will not stop drones but will instead hurt the economy and disrupt civilian life.
The financial damage is already serious. July’s shutdowns alone are estimated to have caused losses of 26 billion rubles (around $290 million), according to kyivpost.com. And if these outages continue into the coming months, businesses and households may face even greater instability.
Personal analysis
These shutdowns show the growing overlap between cyber control and military defense. While cutting mobile networks may interfere with some drone operations, it also punishes ordinary people. Russia’s approach seems focused on short-term security gains, even at the cost of long-term economic stability.
From a strategic view, this method might only work briefly. Drone technology will likely adapt, using offline guidance or satellite connections. When that happens, Russia will still be left with a damaged economy and a frustrated public.
This pattern highlights a deeper problem—when governments use blanket restrictions on infrastructure, they risk creating more internal problems than they solve. The coming months will show if Russia chooses to ease these controls or continue with a policy that hits its own people hardest.
Sources: themoscowtimes.com
