Russia Shuts Down Mobile Internet in Far East Kamchatka, Citing Drone Threat

Authorities in Russia's far-eastern Kamchatka Peninsula have restricted mobile internet access and GPS services as a measure to counter potential drone attacks, Governor Vladimir Solodov announced Monday.
The move, described as a temporary security measure, is part of a broader anti-sabotage protocol being implemented in the strategic region, which is located thousands of kilometers from the front lines in Ukraine. Solodov stated that the restrictions are necessary "to prevent and make impossible acts of sabotage on the territory of the Kamchatka region."
This protocol was developed during recent Pacific Fleet exercises in June, which included drills on restricting navigation in Avacha Bay and limiting mobile communications. The governor emphasized that the measures were preventative and aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens and military infrastructure.
To mitigate the disruption for residents, officials have promised to deploy public Wi-Fi hotspots in the main cities of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Yelizovo. Similar mobile internet shutdowns have been periodically implemented in several Russian regions closer to Ukraine, as authorities believe drones can be operated or coordinated using civilian mobile networks.