Russia introduces new financial and technical restrictions to block VPNs - Center for Countering Disinformation
Kyiv • UNN
Russia will oblige operators to disable Apple ID payments and block access to websites with VPNs. The Kremlin plans to make free internet too expensive.
The authorities of the aggressor country continue to restrict Russians' access to uncensored internet – the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation has started talking about introducing new restrictions on the use of VPN services, which are used to bypass state blockages. This is reported by UNN with reference to the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
Details
From April 1, 2026, Russian mobile operators were obliged to disable the top-up of Apple ID balance from a mobile phone account. This is intended to reduce the ability to use VPN services.
At the same time, platforms from the so-called "white lists" will be allowed to operate during internet outages only if access is completely prohibited for users with VPN enabled.
While publicly promising not to introduce penalties for using VPNs, the Kremlin plans to introduce financial restrictions on the use of services. This will make free access to the network expensive and inaccessible for many Russians
Recall
Russian authorities effectively blocked the WhatsApp messenger on February 11, making access impossible without complex workarounds. The application has also been removed from the "Roskomnadzor" online catalog.