The Kremlin has defended sweeping internet restrictions across Russia, saying measures such as blocking messaging platforms and virtual private networks are necessary for national security rather than a return to past controls.
Speaking in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the restrictions were justified given the current security environment, arguing that most Russians understand their necessity.
“No, this isn’t a step backwards,” Peskov said when asked whether the measures risked reversing digital freedoms.
“We are currently in a situation where security considerations dictate the need to take certain measures.”
The restrictions form part of a broader tightening of state control over Russia’s digital space, with authorities blocking messaging platforms such as Telegram, throttling online services and repeatedly shutting down mobile internet access in several regions.
Officials say the curbs are partly aimed at preventing Ukrainian drone attacks, which can rely on mobile internet signals for navigation.
Authorities shut down mobile internet in Moscow for nearly three weeks in March and have imposed similar disruptions elsewhere.
Russia has also moved aggressively against virtual private networks, with more than 400 VPN services reportedly blocked as authorities seek to prevent users from bypassing censorship.
Peskov said companies that fail to comply with Russian laws face restrictions as part of what he described as “normal practice” seen in many countries.
The curbs have drawn mixed reactions.
Vladimir Solodov, governor of the Kamchatka region, has asked federal authorities to lift the restrictions on mobile internet access, introduced at the end of December 2025, as soon as possible.
Attempts to block VPN services have triggered technical disruptions, including temporary failures in payment systems and transport services, highlighting the wider impact of the measures.
While officials insist the restrictions are necessary, reports indicate growing frustration among citizens and businesses, with disruptions affecting communication, commerce and access to essential services.
“It is clear that restrictions on internet access cause inconvenience for many citizens, but this is the situation we find ourselves in at the moment,” Peskov said.
He stressed that once "the need for these measures has passed," internet access would be fully restored and returned to normal.
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President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said.
Uzbekistan will open an embassy in Georgia, the Central Asian country’s presidency has said. The announcement follows talks between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Tbilisi.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of the eastern German city of Erfurt on Saturday as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) opened its annual party conference, where delegates voted to keep Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as the party's co-leaders.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Germany has requested urgent talks with China's ambassador following reports that Chinese authorities trained Russian soldiers, adding fresh strain to relations between Beijing and Europe amid the war in Ukraine.
Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use next week's NATO summit in Ankara to advance his push for greater European responsibility in security, with a bilateral meeting planned with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as Paris seeks closer coordination with key allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and the United States share a special responsibility for maintaining global security as the world's two largest nuclear powers.
China said on Saturday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of illegally expanding its authority and undermining regional stability.
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