Remote Research in Russia: Part Four

ProtonVPN is one of the best options for those who both need a Russian IP address and put a premium on privacy. The service operates official servers in Moscow, allowing users to obtain a “Russian” address without complicated workarounds. To bypass blocks, ProtonVPN has a Stealth mode, which disguises VPN traffic and helps evade deep packet inspection (DPI).

Payment options are flexible—credit cards, PayPal and even crypto—making it easy to test the service for a month.

ProtonVPN combines strong performance with reliable privacy protection. However, connection stability within Russia may vary, so it is advisable to check current availability before using it for extended sessions.

Astrill is frequently recommended for use in environments with strict censorship. The service’s official page lists Russian servers and provides access to local content.

To bypass blocking, Astrill employs proprietary protocols—OpenWeb, StealthVPN and others—which makes it a valuable tool when standard VPNs fail.

Astrill is more expensive than most popular services, but it is designed for professional use in restrictive network conditions. It is meant for researchers and users who prioritize stability and are willing to pay for it. Even so, testing the service before long-term use is advisable to ensure it remains effective.

CyberGhost offers one of the simplest ways to obtain a Russian IP address: through virtual servers. These provide a “Russian” IP, but the physical equipment is located outside of the country, which boosts security and lowers risk.

While CyberGhost does not feature strong obfuscation tools, it is sufficient for most research tasks, such as accessing public archives. A dedicated IP address can be added for a fee if needed.

CyberGhost’s interface is intuitive and straightforward, making it ideal for users who need quick access to a Russian IP address without a complicated setup—useful for browsing archive directories, scanning materials and other basic research activities.

VyprVPN claims to operate servers in Moscow and even provides city-level options in its location list, which makes it attractive for users specifically seeking a Russian IP address.

To bypass blocking, the service uses its proprietary Chameleon protocol, which masks traffic, though user reviews on its stability are mixed. VyprVPN does not provide dedicated or static IP addresses, as confirmed by its support team.

VyprVPN is best seen as a backup option to get a Russian IP, with mixed feedback about its stability and customer support.

TorGuard is geared toward users who value flexibility and are comfortable configuring their own connections. Its Russian servers have had an up-and-down history—having been removed and replaced several times—so the focus today is less on location and more on bypassing censorship and DPI.

This makes TorGuard particularly effective in restrictive network environments.

An additional advantage is the availability of dedicated and even “residential” IP addresses for an extra fee—useful for tasks requiring a stable address, such as automation or API access. Payment methods include crypto.

Overall, TorGuard is best for technically proficient users, administrators and researchers who need precise control over their connection and access to advanced network tools. Note it should be tested in real conditions to ensure it meets your specific needs.

ExpressVPN has long been regarded as one of the best tools for bypassing internet restrictions, but it is important to note that it does not have Russian servers—the company has explicitly confirmed this. Therefore, if your goal is to obtain a Russian IP address, ExpressVPN will not do.

That said, ExpressVPN excels in obfuscation and connection stability. It performs well under heavy restrictions, provides reliable access and is easy to use. Customer support is responsive and efficient.

In short, ExpressVPN is for those who need a dependable, user-friendly solution to bypass regional blocks without requiring a Russian geolocation.

Windscribe stands out among VPNs thanks to its combination of flexibility, affordability and innovative privacy features. While it does not officially operate Russian servers, it offers “virtual” alternatives that allow access to a Russian IP through servers located outside of the country—improving security while maintaining the required geolocation.

Windscribe’s strengths include multiple protocol options and built-in obfuscation tools. Stealth mode and WireGuard-based connections help bypass blocks and DPI, although stability may fluctuate depending on network conditions.

Its transparent no-logs policy, as well as the ability to pay with crypto, are additional advantages.

Windscribe is a good choice for users who need a virtual Russian IP address for content access and for those seeking a flexible, privacy-oriented VPN able to evade censorship.