What’s happening to GitHub in Russia?
Since May 5, Russian users have seen a sharp rise in failed connections to GitHub. The failure rate jumped from 10% on the first day to 16% on May 6‑7, far above the usual 4% anomaly level.
Data behind the disruption
Independent monitoring service OONI tracked the slowdown. Their numbers show a clear spike that aligns with the dates when developers reported trouble pulling code and pushing updates.
Official response from Roskomnadzor
Russia’s internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, publicly stated it is not blocking GitHub. The agency claims the outages stem from other technical issues, not state‑ordered censorship.
Why it matters to developers
GitHub hosts millions of open‑source projects and private repositories. Even a small increase in failure rates can halt software releases, break CI pipelines, and delay security patches.
- Project delays: Teams cannot clone or push code reliably.
- Security risk: Missed updates leave applications vulnerable.
- Business impact: Companies relying on GitHub for DevOps face downtime.
What developers can do now
While the situation unfolds, developers should consider backup plans:
- Mirror critical repos to alternate platforms such as GitLab or Bitbucket.
- Use VPN services that comply with local law to maintain access.
- Track OONI reports for real‑time outage data.
Stay tuned as the tech community watches whether the disruptions grow or subside.
