NEW YORK (VINnews) — Russia has stepped up internet restrictions in recent weeks, as officials cite security concerns linked to Ukrainian drone attacks, according to reporting by The Kyiv Independent.

Authorities have pointed to the need to protect infrastructure and public safety. But analysts say the measures reflect a broader effort by the Kremlin to tighten control over online activity and limit potential unrest.

Since last year, outages affecting both mobile and fixed-line internet have been reported across multiple regions. In early March, disruptions expanded in Moscow, where mobile internet access and public Wi-Fi were curtailed. Similar measures later spread to surrounding areas.

Russian media outlets have reported that officials are testing systems that allow access only to a limited number of government-approved websites during outages.

Experts told The Kyiv Independent that the effort appears aimed at creating infrastructure that enables authorities to monitor online behavior more closely and restrict access quickly if needed.

The tightening controls follow earlier moves targeting foreign messaging platforms. In 2025, Russia restricted voice calls on apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp, while promoting a state-backed alternative. Text messaging remained available for a time, though further limits were later introduced.

Critics say such policies could expand government surveillance. Official statements, however, have emphasized security considerations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said disruptions were likely tied to efforts to ensure safety, while acknowledging the impact on businesses.

Analysts dispute the extent to which drone threats explain the outages, arguing that the restrictions align with a broader wartime trend toward tighter information control.

Some observers also point to international developments. Reporting cited by The Kyiv Independent noted that recent actions by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian officials have heightened concerns in Moscow about the potential vulnerability of its own leadership.

Russia has also closely watched measures taken by Iran, which imposed sweeping internet blackouts during periods of unrest, as authorities sought to limit protests and control information flows.

Analysts say the evolving restrictions could signal a longer-term shift toward a more tightly managed digital environment, with the state retaining the ability to scale controls up or down in response to perceived threats.