Residents of southern Russia reported difficulties due to internet problems.

Residents of the Volgograd and Astrakhan regions, and Kalmykia have experienced difficulties using mobile internet over the past week. At times, most websites and apps are unavailable, affecting communication with family and work tasks. Some residents reported having to reduce their use of Telegram* and WhatsApp*.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," Telegram was often used for work communications, and existing restrictions caused difficulties at work, while available workarounds weren't always effective, according to residents of the Rostov and Volgograd regions, Kuban, and Kalmykia. Some expressed their willingness to switch to domestic messaging apps, while others said they would continue using Telegram. During mobile internet outages, websites and apps with access enabled are not always available, which, combined with problems with mobile service, leads to significant problems, residents of southern Russia reported.

"Caucasian Knot" surveyed seven residents from three regions of the Southern Federal District (Volgograd and Astrakhan Oblasts, and Kalmykia) to determine how the slowdown in mobile internet has affected them. The survey is not representative and reflects only the personal opinions of those surveyed.

Blocks have forced us to find ways to circumvent them

Sergey Sapunkov, a manager at a design firm in Volgograd, told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he hasn't noticed any blocking of Telegram or mobile internet in the past three days.

"I often work from home, sometimes in the office. We have stable Wi-Fi in both places. I have a good paid VPN on my phone. "So all these blocks, if they exist, have little effect on me," Sergey said.

01:50 23.10.2025

Telegram WhatsApp* and WhatsApp* services blocked by authorities in southern Russia

Users of WhatsApp* and Telegram messengers in southern Russia continue to report app outages. Roskomnadzor stated that the authorities have restricted the operation of foreign messengers to "counter criminals."

His colleague, who identified himself as Anton, confirmed that mobile internet is working. He said he mainly uses marketplaces, Yandex Taxi, and VKontakte. "It happens that VK doesn't open on my mobile phone at times. I've logged out of WhatsApp* and rarely check Facebook*," Anton admitted.

Temporarily unemployed Volgograd resident Antonina Khrischataya also reported that, although she has a paid VPN, she mostly uses websites and apps that aren't blocked.

"We've switched to using the information services that are on the 'white list.' I've stopped using Telegram. I check it occasionally, but I don't spend hours on it anymore," Antonina said.

The woman noted that she is very afraid of fraud on MAH, which she "fundamentally" doesn't include, and on Gosuslugi. She is especially worried about her parents.

"Old people are gullible. We try to limit them as best we can. "They wrote a statement at the bank refusing to accept loans. Well, there are still ways to protect them from the scammers who have become more active recently," Antonina said.

The head of the Volgograd Jewish community, Yael Ioffe, noted that problems are arising due to mobile internet restrictions in the city, and they had to buy a VPN.

"Access to all workgroups is restricted," she told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. According to her, instead of workgroups, they had to use not only Telegram but also phone calls. "And this consumes time and human resources," Yael said.

Yael noted that she had not looked into the "White Lists." "We don't have any problems accessing (internet resources), but communication-wise, yes," said Yael Ioffe.

The phone has become a replacement for instant messaging apps

Astrakhan private taxi driver Stanislav admitted that he's been experiencing difficulties with online orders lately.

"People are having a hard time placing orders with us the usual way, online. We're increasingly bombarded. Payment is in cash, sometimes by arrangement. The GPS is glitchy. But I know Astrakhan like the back of my hand. But it's difficult for newcomers. Overall, we're adapting to the new conditions. People are generally adaptable," said Stanislav.

Stanislav also noted that he communicates with relatives living in the Kamyzyak district via mobile internet. interrupted.

"My wife and I haven't been able to reach them normally via instant messaging for a month now. We use regular telephone service. We used WhatsApp* before. It was very convenient. We sent photos and videos. And now we're going back to the 90s," the Astrakhan resident was indignant.

Messages about internet restrictions have started arriving in Kalmykia

Vera Kichikova, a resident of the village of Yashkul (Republic of Kalmykia), confirmed to a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that there were no mobile internet restrictions in the village; mobile service is stable, and both WhatsApp* and Telegram work.

Meanwhile, in the republic's capital, Elista, mobile internet outages sometimes occur. A journalist who introduced himself as Sergey said that such There are outages.

"Previously, we were told that outages were due to maintenance or other emergencies. But for two days now, residents of Kalmyk have been receiving SMS notifications about mobile internet service restrictions," the journalist reported.

Sergey quoted a message he received from an SMS mailing list: "In order to ensure security measures in the region, temporary restrictions on mobile internet service are possible. We understand the inconvenience and the need to stay connected, so important services are working even if the internet is limited."

"They're promoting MAX everywhere. Many people have to download it," Sergey noted.