From the modern metropolises of Moscow and St Petersburg to Arkhangelsk on the permafrosted northern coast and Khabarovsk on the Chinese border, for over a week now, Russian cities have been experiencing unprecedented interruptions to mobile internet coverage. Ostensibly for security reasons, the rumour mill has inevitably cranked out all kinds of alternative explanations, from fear of a coup to preparations for a comprehensive imposition of state control on the ‘runet’, Russia’s online world.

Notions that Vladimir Putin fears some imminent coup can most quickly be laid to rest. There is dissatisfaction with the continuing war and its economic consequences, but nothing to suggest anything more serious. Besides, one thing this system is well geared to do is deter and foil coups, with multiple well-armed security forces watching and balancing the others.

It is just another example of how the war in Ukraine is coming home to Russians

It is just another example of how the war in Ukraine is coming home to Russians

The official explanation is that this is being done to prevent incoming Ukrainian drones from using the mobile internet for guidance. It is certainly the case that many of the drones being launched against Russian cities do use these signals, and that they are indeed facing a spate of attacks. According to the........

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