Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Russian government has moved to restrict access to independent media outlets and social media platforms within Russia. This crackdown on information aims to control the narrative around the war and limit Russian citizens’ access to outside perspectives. The Kremlin claims these actions are necessary to combat “fake news” and prevent the spread of anti-Russian propaganda. However, media experts and human rights groups argue the moves amount to state censorship and violate freedom of information.
Why is Russia blocking independent media?
The Russian government under President Vladimir Putin has been steadily tightening control over the flow of information for years. But the invasion of Ukraine prompted more aggressive efforts to restrict independent journalism and anti-war voices. The Kremlin is determined to dominate the narrative around what it calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine. Allowing Russian citizens open access to foreign media reporting, social media networks, and independent journalism could challenge the state’s version of events and erode public support for the war.
How is Russia blocking media?
Russian authorities are using a combination of approaches to restrict media, including:
- Banning or blocking websites of foreign news outlets
- Imposing restrictions on social media networks like Facebook and Twitter
- Slowing down Twitter to make it largely inaccessible
- Ordering media outlets to remove content or face fines or closure
- Revoking licenses and blocking broadcasts of independent Russian TV channels
- Threatening journalists with prosecution under broad “fake news” laws
These tactics allow Russia to fully or partially block access to sources of information beyond state control. Next, we will look specifically at what sites and platforms have been affected.
Major independent news outlets blocked
Russian authorities have moved to restrict access to numerous foreign news organizations reporting on the war in Ukraine. Here are some of the major outlets that have faced full or partial blocks in Russia:
BBC
The BBC announced on March 4 that it would temporarily suspend reporting in Russia after introduction of a new law threatening jail terms for publishing “fake news” about the military. The BBC’s Russian-language news website was blocked in Russia. Outside Russia, the BBC continues to report on the war and serve Russian-speaking audiences.
Voice of America
Russia banned VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, US-funded broadcasters, and threatened imprisonment for journalists. VOA Russian service’s website was blocked on March 2. USAGM, which oversees VOA, condemned the move as a “full assault on media freedom.”
Deutsche Welle
Germany’s Deutsche Welle was blocked after refusing Russian orders to remove content. Russia also shut down Deutsche Welle’s Moscow bureau and revoked staff credentials. Germany condemned the blocking of DW as “unacceptable.”
Meduza
Popular independent Russian-language news site Meduza was blocked on March 4 after refusing Russian orders to remove Ukraine war content. Based in Latvia, Meduza has continued reporting through other channels. Its app was also removed from Russia’s app stores.
Radio Liberty
US-funded Radio Liberty, which offers reporting in Russian and other languages, was blocked by Russia after refusing to remove content. Radio Liberty President Jamie Fly said Russia aims to “cut off the Russian people from any source of information about what is happening in their own country and Ukraine.”
CBC/Radio-Canada
Websites of Canada’s public broadcaster CBC were blocked from being accessed in Russia. CBC News continues to report from the region.
Social media restrictions
Russia has also targeted social media platforms used to share news and connect with audiences abroad:
Russia blocked Facebook on March 4 after the platform refused requests to stop fact-checking state-owned organizations. The block covers Facebook alongside Facebook-owned Instagram. WhatsApp was not affected. Facebook stated it refused “Russian demands that we stop fact-checking and labelling Russian state media.”
While not fully blocked, Twitter was slowed to the point of being inaccessible starting March 4, after Russia accused it of failing to remove content encouraging suicide among Russian children and extremism. Users reported difficulty accessing and using Twitter.
YouTube
YouTube has not been blocked, although Russia has threatened fines against the platform for hosting “fake news” content. So far, YouTube has resisted Russian demands to lift restrictions on state media outlets like RT. However, Russia hinted it could block YouTube if it allows “propaganda.”
| Platform | Access status |
|---|---|
| Blocked | |
| Blocked | |
| Slowed/restricted | |
| YouTube | Accessible but threatened |
Independent Russian media targeted
In addition to restricting external media, Russian authorities have also cracked down on independent domestic journalism and anti-war voices:
Echo of Moscow
Popular independent Russian radio station Echo of Moscow was taken off the air March 1 after refusing state orders to remove content. Authorities accused the station of posting “deliberately false information” about Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Dozhd TV
Independent Russian TV channel Dozhd was blocked March 1 after coverage referring to Russia’s actions as war or invasion. Dozhd was forced to suspend operations but continues reporting online.
Novaya Gazeta
Renowned independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta removed Ukraine war reporting after Russian lawmakers threatened jail terms for “fake news.” Editor-in-chief Dmitry Muratov said the newspaper had no choice but to comply.
| Outlet | Status |
|---|---|
| Echo of Moscow | Taken off air |
| Dozhd TV | Blocked |
| Novaya Gazeta | Self-censored under threat |
Impacts on Russian citizens
The blocking of independent news and social media cuts off many Russians from accessing full information about the Ukraine invasion, war developments, and dissenting perspectives. With domestic journalism muzzled and outside sources restricted, the Kremlin retains dominant control over the narrative.
However, tech-savvy Russians are finding ways around blocks using VPNs and other methods. Independent outlets like Meduza are continuing to report through Telegram and other channels. And protests, albeit limited, have broken out across Russia over both the war and the media restrictions.
So Russia’s information lockdown faces challenges. But it has still isolated citizens from a diversity of reporting and opinions. Critics argue these constraints on media freedom and speech undermine core democratic values.
Limiting outside perspectives
Blocking major international news outlets like BBC, VOA, and Deutsche Welle cuts Russian citizens off from alternate reporting on the war. This reporting often challenges the state narrative on issues like Russia’s motives, battlefield developments, civilian impacts, and dissent. Lacking exposure to these perspectives could skew public opinion in Russia toward the government’s viewpoint.
Silencing dissenting voices
Shutting down respected independent Russian outlets like Echo of Moscow and Dozhd TV removes platforms for anti-war and opposition voices. This prevents citizens from hearing different Russian perspectives that counter Kremlin messaging. With domestic media muted, the state narrative becomes the only permitted narrative.
Restricting free expression
Threatening journalists, bloggers and social media users with prosecution for “fake news” makes many afraid to express opinions online countering the official line. This risks pushing dissent to underground channels and denying Russians their right to freely discuss current events.
Accelerating exodus of independent media
Media restrictions are driving independent outlets and journalists to flee Russia or close entirely. For example, Novaya Gazeta removed much war coverage, while Dozhd TV and Echo of Moscow halted operations. This exodus silences more voices and narrows citizens’ information sources further.
Global reactions
The blocking of media has provoked wide condemnation internationally as an attack on freedom of speech. Some responses include:
United Nations
The UN human rights office warned Russia is imposing a “military information blockade” on its citizens and urged protections for freedom of expression.
United States
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken slammed Russia’s efforts to prevent citizens from “hearing the truth” about the Ukraine invasion and said media restrictions show “growing desperation” by Russia’s government.
European Union
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, called Russia’s actions an “aggressive censorship machine denying Russian citizens access to information.” The EU also banned Russian state media RT and Sputnik to counter disinformation.
Global internet freedom groups
Organizations like Reporters Without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Freedom House accused Russia of severe curtailment of citizens’ right to information and open public discourse.
Conclusion
Russia has undertaken sweeping efforts to control the narrative on Ukraine by blocking major foreign news outlets, restricting social media, and silencing independent domestic journalism. Citizens are now largely limited to consuming state-controlled media that conveys the Kremlin’s version of events.
While concerning for free speech and transparency, Russia’s “information iron curtain” is still porous. Brave independent journalists continue working, and Russians are finding alternative ways to access banned content. But the space for uncensored reporting and open discourse continues shrinking under government pressure. Russia’s blockade on media seeks to control citizens’ perceptions, but holes remain in its efforts to dominate the information realm.