Russian law does not make it an offence for an individual to use a VPN, but the rules around VPN services are detailed and change often. Since November 2017, VPN services have been required to connect to the state register of blocked resources and restrict access to the sites on it. Roskomnadzor, the communications regulator, blocks services that do not comply, and in February 2026 it reported 469 blocked VPN services.
Since March 2024, advertising ways to get around blocks has been prohibited. Since September 2025, knowingly searching for and accessing materials from the federal list of extremist materials is an administrative offence, whether or not a VPN is involved, and VPN use can count as an aggravating circumstance in criminal cases. Some people try to reach blocked resources with a VPN or proxy, but the law stays the same, so it is wise to be careful and to know which rules apply to you.
Technically, a VPN encrypts the connection and replaces your IP address with one from the location you choose. It does not change the law or the terms of any service. Browsec VPN explains the basics in its guide to what a VPN is.
Since March 2024, advertising ways to get around blocks has been prohibited. Since September 2025, knowingly searching for and accessing materials from the federal list of extremist materials is an administrative offence, whether or not a VPN is involved, and VPN use can count as an aggravating circumstance in criminal cases. Some people try to reach blocked resources with a VPN or proxy, but the law stays the same, so it is wise to be careful and to know which rules apply to you.
Technically, a VPN encrypts the connection and replaces your IP address with one from the location you choose. It does not change the law or the terms of any service. Browsec VPN explains the basics in its guide to what a VPN is.
