Mobile internet services have been disrupted across several Russian regions, including Moscow, Vladimir, Tula, Voronezh, and Lipetsk, following a nighttime drone attack by Ukrainian forces. Downdetector, an outage monitoring service, has confirmed these connectivity issues.
Igor Artamonov, governor of Lipetsk region, explained that internet services were suspended at the request of Russian military authorities. "Mobile internet will be restored as soon as conditions permit. We appreciate your understanding - security remains our top priority," he stated. Residents first reported connectivity problems in Lipetsk starting around 11 PM on May 20.
By the morning of May 21, communication failures were also reported in Balashikha, Korolev, Elektrostal, and Shchelkovo, affecting customers of major mobile providers including MTS, Beeline, Megafon, and T2. Beeline acknowledged intermittent service in the Moscow region, while Megafon cited "external factors" for potential internet access difficulties.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting over 150 Ukrainian drones, with most attacks occurring in Orel, Bryansk, and Kursk regions. Temporary flight restrictions were also implemented at airports in Yaroslavl, Kostroma, and Kaluga.
This follows earlier internet disruptions across Russia in early May, when communication services were severely limited in Moscow during the May 9 Victory Day celebrations at the Kremlin.