Vladivostok officials warn of phone and internet outages during Putin's visit for Eastern Economic Forum
Authorities in Russia's Primorsky Krai have warned that mobile and landline communications could be disrupted in Vladivostok when Vladimir Putin attends the Eastern Economic Forum, running September 1-4.
Officials in Russia's Primorsky Krai region have told residents and visitors that both mobile and fixed-line phone service, along with internet access, may be interrupted during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, scheduled for September 1 through 4. Forum organizers have said Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend.
The regional administration said the possible restrictions are part of measures intended to protect the safety of forum participants and guests. According to the authorities, temporary communications restrictions are most likely near the event's main venue, the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University, as well as along the major roads leading to it.
The region's Digital Development Ministry clarified that any shutdowns would be confined to specific areas rather than applied across the entire region.
A recurring pattern
Authorities across various Russian regions routinely cut internet access, citing the need to guard against Ukrainian drone strikes. Similar disruptions have also accompanied other major international gatherings held in Russia, including the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
