How To Get a Russian IP Address That Actually Works (2025)

Getting a Russian IP address isn’t the most straightforward because most services don’t offer these. A lot of the ones that do may host physical servers in Russia, which is not the best for privacy. So the best service to choose would be the one that offers virtual Russian IP servers.

How can you change your location to Russia? There are a few ways to do this and get a Russian IP. These workarounds make your connection look like it’s coming from Russia. The most common option is to use a proxy or a secure VPN. Many top VPNs now rely on virtual servers for Russian locations due to the country's strict internet regulations. For example, NordVPN removed its physical Russian servers in 2019¹.

Virtual servers mimic a Russian location while being physically hosted in safer countries. Let’s go over how to get the IP in just a few steps while also enhancing your online privacy.

Short on Time? These Are the Best Ways To Get a Russian IP

Here’s a quick overview of the most reliable ways people get a Russian IP from abroad today. Each method has its own pros and cons, so the right choice depends on how long you need access, which apps you use, and your comfort with setup.

How To Get a Secure Russian IP Address With a VPN

Getting a Russian IP address with a VPN is still the most practical and secure method available. The catch is that most providers have already pulled their physical servers out of Russia, and many others were forced offline after government crackdowns. In fact, Russia blocked 197 VPNs in October 2024 (Freedom House)².

That’s where virtual servers come in. Instead of dedicated IPs for Russia, the best VPNs route connections through safer countries but assign you a Russian IP. This gives you the same ability to access sites and services while avoiding the security risks of hosting inside Russia.

Is there a VPN with servers in Russia? Astrill’s physical servers in Moscow and St. Petersburg can help you avoid the major speed drops we’ve noticed with most virtual servers. These servers often lead to slow connections, as data must travel longer distances, especially when farther away than expected. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to getting a secure Russian IP address with a VPN:

1. Download a Quality VPN

Look for a VPN that offers physical servers or virtual servers for Russia and install it on your preferred device. Most VPNs also provide GUI apps for Linux and APK files for manual installation — ideal if your device doesn’t have Play Store access.

We're using CyberGhost as an example, but the process is similar with other VPNs

2. Configure Security Settings for Optimal Performance and Protection

Before connecting, enable key security features to protect your data. Enable the kill switch, turn on DNS/IP leak protection, and activate obfuscation or “Stealth mode” if your VPN includes it and you’re using it in Russia. Basically, these features stop your traffic from leaking or getting flagged. Note that CyberGhost doesn’t offer obfuscation.

The intuitive interface of most VPNs makes toggling features easy

3. Connect to a Russian Server

Open the server list and select Russia. If there are multiple locations listed (which is quite rare), pick the one closest to your real location for faster speeds. If the app only shows “RU Virtual,” that is the option you should use.

You can save servers to your 'Favorites' for faster access anytime

4. Verify Your Russian IP

After connecting, check that you now have a Russian IP. You can use any IP checker, including our free tool. Run a DNS or WebRTC leak test as well. If the results are wrong, change servers or enable leak protection in your VPN settings.

The vpnMentor IP checker takes a few seconds to display your IP address

5. Browse Safely With a Russian IP

Once your IP is confirmed, go to the sites and apps you want to use. This can include your Russian banking apps, streaming websites, or social media accounts. You can find some more in-depth information on our top VPNs for Russia, with some brief summaries below.

Try clearing your cookies and reconnecting to the server if you run into issues

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Getting a Russian IP Address

These VPNs offer reliable ways to get a Russian IP address while maintaining your online privacy and security. My recommendations offer both virtual and physical Russian servers, plus advanced security features like obfuscation and bank-level encryption to protect your privacy. Each VPN was tested thoroughly across key categories relevant to using Russian IPs.

How To Get a Russian IP Address With a Proxy

A proxy can also get you a Russian IP, and it’s usually lighter and sometimes faster. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t encrypt your traffic like a VPN. That makes it fine for checking news sites or testing how content looks in Russia, but not for banking or accessing any private accounts.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a proxy for a Russian IP:

1. Get Access to a Russian Proxy Service

Sign up for a provider that offers Russian proxies. What I’ve noticed is that residential proxies are harder to block but more expensive, while datacenter proxies are cheaper but often get flagged.

2. Install or Configure a Proxy Client

Most providers give you login credentials and server details that you can use. On a desktop, you can set them up in your browser (Chrome, Firefox) or through a proxy app. On mobile, you’ll need a client app or manual network settings.

3. Enter the Server Details

Add the Russian proxy IP address, port number, username, and password to your chosen client or browser settings.

4. Verify Your New IP

Open a reliable IP checker to confirm it shows a Russian location. If it does, your traffic is routing through the proxy.

5. Start Browsing With a Russian IP

Use the proxy for tasks like checking Russian websites, streaming limited content, or testing local platforms. Remember, your traffic isn’t encrypted, so avoid logging in to sensitive accounts this way.

Alternative Ways To Get a Russian IP Address

Now, if a VPN or proxy does not fit your needs, there are still a couple of other methods that can provide you with a Russian IP. These require a bit more technical know-how (I generally stay away from these) and aren’t as convenient, but they can work in specific situations.

1. Tor Browser With an Exit Node in Russia

The Tor Browser routes your traffic through several volunteer nodes before reaching its final “exit node.” If that exit node is in Russia, your IP will appear Russian.

Here’s how to use it. Download the Tor Browser, install it, and connect to the Tor network. Tor automatically selects random nodes, so you may need to configure it to prefer a Russian exit node.

2. With a Virtual Private Server (VPS)

A VPS is a rented server that runs in a data center. If the VPS provider offers a Russian location, you can set up your own private tunnel and use it as a personal Russian IP.

Here’s how to use it. Rent a VPS located in Russia, install a VPN protocol (like WireGuard or OpenVPN) or configure an SSH/SOCKS proxy, then connect through it.

Our Methodology for Testing Methods for Getting a Russian IP Address

To test the VPNs and other tools for Russian IPs, we focused on performance, privacy, and reliability. We checked connection speeds to see which services could handle streaming, banking, and everyday browsing without major slowdowns. Also, we ran DNS/IP leak tests in different conditions to confirm that the IP change to Russia was both secure and consistent.

When choosing a way to get a Russian IP address, prioritize one that can maintain steady connections across all networks. Features like military-grade encryption, advanced obfuscation, virtual servers, and leak protection help keep connections private and stable, even on networks that block VPNs, proxies, and Tor. Broad device compatibility and responsive customer support also make the overall experience smoother.

Which Sites and Services Can You Safely Access With a Russian IP?

A Russian IP lets you securely access platforms that either block foreign users or only offer limited functionality outside the country. Here’s what you can expect to access safely with both virtual and physical Russian servers:

Streaming Platforms

Most Russian streaming services work with virtual IPs, although some may ask for extra verification:

• ivi. Popular streaming platform in Russia. Works consistently with virtual Russian IPs.
• Okko. Requires a Russian phone number for sign-up, but accepts VPN connections.
• Match TV. A sports streaming platform that runs reliably on most Russian VPN servers.
• START. Premium service that usually requires payment with a Russian card.
• PREMIER. Works with virtual IPs but may ask for SMS verification.
• Kinopoisk HD. Often detects VPN traffic. Try a different server or turn on obfuscation if blocked.

Banking and Payment Systems

Banks and financial services are stricter and may block connections from a virtual server:

• Sberbank Online. Usually requires physical Russian servers.
• VTB Online. Works with some virtual IPs but often asks for SMS verification.
• MIR Payment System. Tied to Russian mobile numbers, so verification is usually required.
• Generally accepts virtual Russian IPs.
• QIWI Wallet. Works with most Russian IPs, but a Russian phone number is needed for verification.

Business Services

Corporate and government-facing tools often have additional security checks. These systems verify users’ regions and block access from unfamiliar networks.

• 1C Enterprise. Works with stable Russian IPs.
• Bitrix24. Accessible with most Russian VPN servers.
• Russian government services. Access may require specific server locations.
• Tax filing systems. Often need a static or dedicated Russian IP.
• Business registration portals. Typically work with virtual servers.

Mobile Networks and Apps

Russian apps are generally easy to access with a VPN, although some services require phone verification:

• Telegram. Works with most Russian servers
• VKontakte (VK). Accessible through virtual IPs.
• Odnoklassniki. Works with most VPN connections.
• Yandex services. May need a Russian phone number for full access.
• ru apps. Usually works fine with virtual IPs.

Government and Educational Resources

Public portals and learning platforms often allow VPN connections, but some require stricter routing:

• Gosuslugi (Government services portal). Often requires physical Russian IPs.
• Educational platforms. Typically work with virtual IPs.
• Research databases. Work reliably with VPNs.
• Library resources. Usually accessible with Russian IPs.
• Official documentation portals. Generally available with virtual servers.

FAQs on Getting a Russian IP Address

Conclusion

Getting a Russian IP address is harder today than it used to be, but it’s still possible with the right tools. Most major VPNs removed their physical servers from Russia, so the options that work now rely on virtual servers or alternative methods like proxies, Tor, or VPS setups. For everyday use, a reliable VPN with strong security features remains the safest choice.

If one server doesn’t work, try another location, switch protocols, or enable obfuscation to stay connected. With the right setup, you can safely access Russian websites, banking services, and streaming platforms.

References

1. https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordvpn-servers-roskomnadzor-russia/
2. https://freedomhouse.org/article/another-door-closes-authoritarians-expand-restrictions-virtual-private-networks/