Russians Mock Putin as Moscow Plunged into Internet Blackout Over 'Coup Plot'
Residents in Moscow and St Petersburg have been left unable to communicate after widespread internet outages swept through both major cities, with locals resorting to using walkie-talkies, pagers, and paper maps to navigate daily life during the prolonged blackout.
Social Media Mockery and Offline Adaptations
Russians have taken to social media platforms to mock Vladimir Putin following the severe disruption to internet services across urban centres. Humorous videos circulating online show Muscovites creatively repurposing their now-useless mobile devices as table tennis paddles or makeshift knives for chopping vegetables.
Comedian Andrei Kaygorodov posted a viral clip on Instagram titled “How to use your mobile phone in the centre of Moscow.” The footage depicts him using his smartphone as an improvised table tennis racket and subsequently as a knife to slice a cucumber. In a follow-up video called “Residents when they find out that the internet is working in Moscow,” he is seen dramatically popping open a bottle of Champagne in celebration.
Local media outlet Moscow-24 has reported a significant surge in demand for printed atlases, travel guides, and alternative communication devices as residents struggle with the absence of reliable cellphone service. This adaptation highlights the extent of the disruption affecting everyday activities and navigation.
Coup Plot Theories and Security Concerns
The internet blackout coincides with reports that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has deliberately blocked mobile internet access across Moscow for nearly two weeks. This extraordinary measure is allegedly driven by concerns that his extensive state surveillance apparatus may have been compromised by potential plotters.
According to an account circulating in Moscow, Putin fears a possible coup attempt orchestrated by followers of his most senior security council official, Sergei Shoigu. Shoigu, aged 70, previously served as defence minister overseeing the war in Ukraine before being dismissed in May 2024 and reassigned to the powerful role of secretary of the Kremlin’s security council.
Channel VChK-OGPU, which maintains links to Russian secret services, aired the unconfirmed theory suggesting Shoigu's clan were plotting against Putin. The channel described this version as “far-fetched” but emphasised: “In addition to the centre [of Moscow], communication is jammed where there are law enforcement facilities or in the residences of law enforcement officers.”
This pattern of communication disruption mirrors previous incidents, notably when former Putin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin led a failed coup attempt in June 2023, indicating a recurring tactic during perceived internal threats.
Nationwide Outages and Official Justifications
People across Russia have endured mobile internet shutdowns for months, with data from the independent Na Svyazi project recording more than 11,900 outages nationwide over the past seven months alone. These widespread disruptions have severely impacted communication and daily routines for millions of citizens.
Last week, the Kremlin addressed the recent communication problems across Moscow and other major cities, claiming they were implemented to ensure security. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated: “All disconnections and communication restrictions are carried out in strict compliance with current legislation.” He further explained to reporters on a conference call that: “This is all related to the need to ensure security.”
In February, Putin reportedly signed a controversial sweeping law granting the FSB authority to block electronic communications 'for security reasons' without providing explanations for such actions. This legislative move has raised concerns about increased state control over digital spaces under the guise of national security.
The combination of these factors—social mockery, offline adaptations, coup rumours, and official security justifications—paints a complex picture of a nation grappling with both technological disruption and political uncertainty under Putin's regime.
