Russia escalates VPN blocks after State Duma elections

Following Russia's State Duma elections, Roskomnadzor intensified VPN blocking: at least 10 providers reported severe restrictions and IP blocks. An estimated 57 million Russians rely on circumvention tools.

• At least 10 VPN services reported blocked servers and IP addresses
• One provider replaced 8 servers in 5 days
• About 57 million Russians use circumvention tools
• HRW: Apple removed 1,213 apps at Russia's request in 2025