The kremlin Is Preparing for Digital Isolation

On March 1, 2026, a decree introducing new rules for centralized management of the national communications network will come into force in russia. The document, which will remain in effect until 2033, effectively lays the legal foundation for isolating the russian segment of the Internet from the global network.

In case of “threats to the stability” of runet, the ministry of digital development, “roskomnadzor”, and the fsb will form a special interdepartmental commission. It will be able to introduce a centralized management regime providing for traffic filtering, website blocking, and even complete isolation of the russian Internet from the outside world.

The new decree expands the scope of the 2019 “sovereign Internet” law, which allows traffic to be routed through control points and creation of an autonomous DNS system. Control will now be unified, with all decisions being made by a single commission.

Among the reasons for introducing restrictions, the government cites cyber incidents, network node failures, data center malfunctions, and “dissemination of prohibited information”.

In reality, the decree gives the kremlin the ability to disconnect citizens from the global Internet, centrally block external sources of information, and tighten control over the digital space. Its long-term effect indicates the authorities’ intention to build a model of the country’s digital isolation.