Military expert: Russia moving toward North Korea-style controlled internet
Russia is gradually transitioning to a so-called “Cheburnet” model, which involves restricting access to external resources and strengthening internal oversight of the information space.
This was stated in an interview with Ukrinform by military expert and former SSU officer Ivan Stupak.
According to him, until early 2026, Russia maintained a relatively hybrid model: some Western services were blocked, but users retained access to certain platforms, particularly for communication and coordination.
“It was a semi-open system. But after the incident involving the assassination attempt on GRU General Alekseyev, the situation changed dramatically,” the expert noted.
He explained that previously, military structures had advocated for maintaining access to the internet, particularly to messaging apps, through which coordination, fundraising, and information exchange take place. At the same time, law enforcement agencies, particularly the FSB, insisted on tightening control, viewing the internet as a source of threats.
“After this incident, the arguments of the security services became decisive. They point out that recruitment, sabotage, and fraudulent operations take place via the internet,” Stupak noted.
As a result, he said, Russia has stepped up the implementation of technical control measures.
“Operators are being forced to use special equipment and software for monitoring and blocking. The goal is complete control of the information space and the rapid detection of any opposition activity,” the expert explained.
He added that this model brings Russia closer to the practices of countries with strictly regulated internet.
Commenting on the activities of Ukrainian special services on Russian territory, Stupak emphasized that the agent network plays a key role in conducting operations.
“No technology works on its own. All such operations are, first and foremost, the work of people. Without the presence of agents on the ground, it is impossible to carry out precision strikes or eliminations,” he emphasized.
According to the expert, even with the powerful technical intelligence capabilities of partners, particularly the U.S., the effectiveness of operations depends on the human factor.
“Operations like ‘Spiderweb’ would not have taken place without the work of agents inside Russia. These are not only Ukrainian citizens but also Russians who do not support the regime and are willing to cooperate,” he noted.
Stupak also assessed the standoff between Ukrainian and Russian special services.
“To put it figuratively, the score is on the board. Ukraine has carried out more than two dozen successful operations on Russian territory—of various types. Russia has effectively had only one result,” he said.
He clarified that this refers, in particular, to the assassination of an SBU colonel; however, even in that case, the perpetrators were neutralized during their arrest.
According to the expert, such events demonstrate the deep presence of Ukrainian special services in the Russian rear and their effectiveness.
“Our operations are dealing significant blows to Russia’s security system. Following the incident with Alekseyev, personnel changes took place there, particularly in counterintelligence,” he added.
Stupak drew attention to the paradox of the situation.
“The state of Ukraine, which Russia has tried to discredit for years, is demonstrating significantly greater effectiveness in operations on enemy territory,” the expert concluded.
As reported by Ukrinform, Russians are being warned of prolonged disruptions in mobile internet service, and “whitelists” of websites that will remain accessible during outages are being implemented.