Internet shutdowns have become a common occurrence in Sochi, a Russian city increasingly facing the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks in response to the ongoing war.
Since Russia launched its offensive against Ukraine in 2022, authorities have attempted to protect citizens from the repercussions of the conflict. However, as Ukraine intensifies its long-range drone assaults on Russian territory, interruptions to everyday life have grown more frequent.
“It’s been challenging these last few months. We’re experiencing constant disconnections. Alerts about drones typically occur during the night and morning,” shared Nadezhda Gorshanova, a 23-year-old sports coach from Sochi, in an interview with AFP.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged to escalate targeting of Russian energy and military installations to undermine Moscow’s crucial energy income and as retaliation for over three years of relentless attacks from the Russian military.
Caught in continuous bombardment, millions of Ukrainians in the south and east have evacuated their homes, with tens of thousands losing their lives.
Daily air raid sirens echo throughout Ukraine, even in the capital city of Kyiv, compelling weary residents to either rush to nearby metro stations or bomb shelters for safety or risk being hit by drones or missiles.
For much of the conflict, Russians have been relatively insulated from such a harsh daily experience.
Outside the border areas, air raid alerts have been sparse.
However, as the war approaches its fourth year and with Ukraine having successfully conducted several strikes deep into Russian territory, this situation is now evolving.
Temporary airport shutdowns are becoming routine, causing flight disruptions and transport mayhem at times.
Mobile internet is often disabled as part of efforts to interfere with drone operations.
“The internet typically goes off from 10 PM to 11 PM until 7 AM, but if there is a significant threat, it can remain off for a longer period,” Gorshanova explained to AFP.
“This creates challenges during morning commutes, whether by taxi or public transport,” she added.
Sochi, located on Russia’s Black Sea coast, has historically been a popular summer destination for the Russian elite, including President Vladimir Putin.
The city, along with its surrounding mountains, hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics and various events during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
In the airport’s arrival area, a mural now depicts a military aircraft flying over a field of blooms.
When Putin visited Sochi earlier this week, internet services were largely suspended during his stay due to reports of nearby Ukrainian drones.
Although Gorshanova mentioned that some tourists have been deterred, Russians have mostly continued to flock to the region.
Relaxing on the beach with his wife and mother-in-law, 28-year-old Sergei Kamenyuk told AFP he wasn’t bothered by the connectivity issues.
“Yes, the internet is out. But honestly, it’s a good thing. No one can get in touch with you, and you’re unreachable, so it helps you unwind,” he said, adorned with a large gold Orthodox cross and bright swim trunks.
“The only thing that raises some alarm are the helicopters and drones flying overhead,” he commented.
“It feels a bit unusual.”
