The Kremlin provided its propagandists with a secret VPN to access the global internet
Russian state-run propaganda media outlets have begun receiving special tools from the government to bypass internet restrictions and access the so-called “external internet.” This was reported by a Russian publication whose journalists analyzed correspondence from Bella Cherkesova, Deputy Minister of Digital Development of the Russian Federation, which became available following a leak published by the hacker group Black8Mirror.
The published materials indicate that early this year, the management of *Rossiyskaya Gazeta* approached the Ministry of Digital Development with a request to help the editorial staff gain access to resources that were blocked or significantly restricted within Russia. Representatives of the publication complained that due to tighter controls on VPN services, it had become more difficult for them to maintain contact with foreign correspondents, download photos and videos, and work with international platforms, including YouTube and major foreign photo agencies.
The correspondence also notes that other state-run media outlets and news agencies already have similar capabilities, using special channels to access the global internet for official purposes. Thus, while the authorities are tightening internet restrictions for most Russian citizens, certain state agencies are being provided with tools to circumvent them.
This is being reported by Russian propaganda media outlets.
As a reminder, a Russian attack on the Poltava region damaged a gas station and a business.
In Dnipro on Friday, August 7, a World Health Organization humanitarian warehouse was destroyed as a result of the attack. There were no people on the premises at the time of the strike, and no casualties were reported.
Over the past 24 hours, the occupiers lost 1,130 troops and more than 400 pieces of military equipment.
In the Kherson region, one person was killed and two were wounded as a result of Russian shelling.
