Starting March 1, 2025, reports have emerged indicating some Russian users can now access YouTube without using VPNs, marking what many hope is the end of their previous connectivity woes. Users connected to major internet service providers (ISPs) such as Rostelecom, MTS, and Beeline have noted smoother and immediate loading times, which contrasts sharply with the sluggish performance users had been experiencing since mid-2024.
One user shared their experience via the Telegram channel, stating, "Пользователи Ростелекома, МТС и Билайна рассказали, что у них всё загружается без проблем. Приложение работает мгновенно, превью появляются моментально — такого быстродействия не было уже несколько лет" (Reported by Baza). This newfound speed includes quicker loading of video thumbnails, indicating less technical friction overall.
Despite these promising reports, it's worth noting this restored functionality does not appear to be universal. Many users have indicated mixed results, with some finding the service functional, whereas others still encounter the previous issues. The exact reasons behind these fluctuations remain unclear, leading to speculation among users and experts alike.
The situation surrounding YouTube's access took a turn beginning last August when service quality reportedly dwindled dramatically, leading to complaints about video loading failures, particularly for high-resolution formats like HD and 4K. The degradation of service raised questions about Google's commitment to maintaining its infrastructure within Russia after the company ceased active support and updates to its equipment related to the Google Global Cache network.
Interestingly, Google has publicly stated, "Это не является результатом каких-либо технических проблем или действий с нашей стороны" (This is not the result of any technical problems or actions on our part). This poses challenges to clarity, as the company cannot directly monitor how its service functions within the various ISPs across the Russian networks. Despite this, traffic for YouTube reportedly surged slightly between February 28 and March 1, and data indicates some degree of resurgence.
On the regulatory front, Roskomnadzoor, the federal service responsible for overseeing communications, continued to assert there was no general accessibility for YouTube, as stated by their spokeswoman: "ЦМУ проверил доступность сервиса YouTube. Сервис в России не доступен" (The communication management center verified the availability of the YouTube service. The service is not available in Russia), as reported by Interfax.
This stance contradicts users' claims who report otherwise, thereby complicting the narrative around why YouTube seems to be functioning correctly for some but not all users. Speculation includes technical glitches or failures at the ISPs themselves allowing for temporary access without the normal throttling protocols active.
Monitoring remains inconsistent across the regions users deemed compatible. While some reports highlight positive experiences viewing videos without delay, potential users across various ISPs continue to report connectivity challenges.
Observers suggest the varied performance could hint at the limitations of ISP-level throttling mechanisms, or it could merely be evidence of sporadic technical issues. While some hope these improvements signal the start of sustained access for all, others advise caution, urging users not to celebrate prematurely.
The provocative nature of YouTube's access reflects broader tensions within internet usage in Russia, where services become susceptible to rapid changes with political and regulatory ramifications. Users are left waiting to see if the improvements will last or if their streaming experience will revert to the frustrating norm.
For now, it remains clear: some Russian users enjoy access to YouTube like never before—whether this will turn out to be fleeting or lasting is yet to be determined.