On March 20, 2025, a massive failure occurred in the operation of communication operators and Internet services across Russia, leaving users frustrated and disconnected. Reports show that numerous internet providers, including Rostelecom, MTS, Megafon, and Beeline, struggled to maintain services, impacting access to vital websites such as Google, VKontakte, and government services like Gosuslugi.
According to Downdetector, a website tracking outages, users experienced significant difficulties accessing online platforms. Popular games and services, including Discord, Twitch, Figma, and Cloudflare, faced disruptions, highlighting a broader trend of instability that users have reported since the beginning of 2025.
This latest incident marks the fourth major internet outage in Russia this year, following incidents on January 6, 14, and 24. Expert sources attribute these outages to underlying infrastructure issues rather than isolated incidents. Roskomnadzor, the regulatory authority overseeing this aspect of the internet, stated unequivocally that "the inoperability of some Russian services is related to the use of foreign server infrastructure." These comments come amidst increasing confusion and dissatisfaction among Russian users, who rely on both foreign and domestic services to navigate daily life.
User reports indicate that many were unable to access not only online games but also workplace applications and daily communication tools. Messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram were also affected, alongside banking applications from Sberbank and Alfa-Bank. This widespread disruption underscores the vulnerability of online services when reliant on foreign server infrastructure, as emphasized by state officials.
In response to the outages, Roskomnadzor has recommended that domestic organizations utilize the capacities of Russian hosting providers to bolster reliability. This recommendation reflects an effort to mitigate the impact of foreign service dependency and safeguard against future disruptions.
"We recommend that domestic organizations use the capacities of Russian hosting providers," stated Roskomnadzor officials while addressing the media regarding the situation. The department has pledged to conduct further evaluations of Russian services' dependence on foreign infrastructures over the upcoming month.
The regulatory agency has plans to perform checks that are crucial for developing measures aimed at improving network stability and ensuring sovereignty over internet services. On this note, Roskomnadzor previously stated that exercises would be conducted to assess the resilience of the Russian internet against external interference, affirming the need for the domestic segment of the internet to operate independently from global networks.
During these assessments, there is concern that some overseas providers may exploit their platforms to bypass censorship and distribute prohibited content. This concern, paired with the challenges faced during the recent outages, has motivated Roskomnadzor to act more proactively in ensuring that domestic services are robust enough to withstand potential adversities.
The surge in complaints from regional users illustrates the disparities in reliable internet access across the nation. Many complaints came from the Siberian, Ural, and Primorsky federal districts, where the impact of these outages has resonated most strongly. Users have expressed their dissatisfaction through various platforms, showcasing how deeply intertwined internet services have become within everyday life.
Meanwhile, the investigations and plans for enhancing the security of Russian internet infrastructure are not new. Reports have shown a trend in increasing outage occurrences since early 2023, prompting Roskomnadzor to intensify its scrutiny of service providers and their foreign dependencies. As these conversations continue, the agency remains armed with statistics from exercises conducted in December 2024 designed to prepare for sovereign internet operations.
Despite the recommendations and strategies proposed by Roskomnadzor, skepticism remains among users and tech analysts alike regarding the effectiveness of switching to domestic hosting providers. Many express doubts about whether they can expect significantly improved service reliability in light of past performance.
This latest episode of internet disruption acts as a reminder of the fragility inherent in modern communications, particularly when reliant on infrastructure that transcends borders. With calls for increased domestic support, the viability of a more secure and consistent Russian internet landscape will be critical for users hoping to navigate both local and global online spaces effectively.
As Roskomnadzor evaluates the future framework of internet services, the urgency of addressing these service disruptions remains paramount. The interplay between infrastructure, user experience, and governmental regulation continues to shape the trajectory of Russia's digital future. Robust discussions around these issues can potentially pave the way for a more stable and resilient internet, retaining connectivity while meeting user needs.
