How VPN blocking works in Russia
Russian authorities use TSPU — deep packet inspection (DPI) equipment installed at the nodes of all major ISPs. This system analyzes every data packet and can identify traffic types. Classic VPN protocols — OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec — have characteristic 'fingerprints' that TSPU instantly detects and blocks. This is why most commercial VPNs running on these protocols have stopped working in Russia.
Which protocols bypass blocks in 2026
The protocols that work are those that disguise VPN traffic as regular web traffic (HTTPS). The two main ones are VLESS and ShadowSocks. VLESS, based on the Xray project, creates connections indistinguishable from normal website visits. ShadowSocks takes a different approach — it encrypts data to look like random noise that DPI cannot classify. RobinGood VPN supports both protocols and automatically switches between them if one starts getting blocked.
Why you should avoid free VPNs
A free VPN isn't charity. Servers, bandwidth, and development cost money. If you're not paying for the product — you are the product. Free VPNs make money by selling user data to advertising networks, injecting ads into traffic, and some even use your device as a proxy node for other users. Moreover, free VPNs rarely support modern protocols and are the first to stop working when blocks intensify.
What to look for when choosing a VPN
Five key criteria. First — VLESS or ShadowSocks support (without this, a VPN simply won't work in Russia). Second — server locations: the closer to Russia, the faster the speed (Europe is optimal). Third — logging policy: a good VPN keeps no browsing logs. Fourth — number of devices per account. Fifth — live human support, not a bot responding with templates.
Why RobinGood VPN works in Russia
RobinGood VPN was built from the ground up to work under active censorship. A proprietary real-time monitoring system tracks server availability and automatically responds to blocking attempts. Servers are located across several European countries — Germany, Finland, and others — ensuring low ping and high speed. Up to 30 devices on one account, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and live support via Telegram.
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