On March 26, 2025, an order came into force in Russia, giving the Federal Security Service (FSO) the right to disable mobile communications and jam radio frequencies. This also applies to occupied Melitopol. Although it is officially stated that the measures are necessary to protect state communications, this order only legalizes a practice that has long been used in temporarily occupied territories.
As IZ reports with reference to Ria Yuzhnoye, the document, which came into force on March 25, 2025, allows the FSO to immediately turn off communications and radio stations if threats to the security of protected objects or individuals are detected. This may include both interference with state communications and potential dangers to military and other objects. Experts warn that these requirements may include not only radio stations, but also mobile towers, which will create problems for civilians.
For residents of Melitopol and other occupied territories, such restrictions have become commonplace. The Russian military has long blocked the Internet and communications to prevent local residents from reporting on the movement of Ukrainian military equipment. Local residents say that communications are lost when large military columns pass through the city.
Recent changes provide additional powers to block, eavesdrop, and jam communications, giving Russia complete control over communications in the occupied territories. Local residents say they can now be cut off at any time, further complicating their lives under occupation.
We remind you that we previously wrote about grants and vacancies for combatants in Zaporizhia.