Russian Censor Blocks 'I Want to Return' Site Hosting Data on Over 250,000 Troops

'I Want to Return' Website Blocked

According to Главком: Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked access within the Russian Federation to the 'I Want to Return' project website. This initiative, run by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, publishes detailed records on deceased and wounded Russian military personnel, covering over 250,000 individuals. The figures include approximately 156,000 killed and 96,000 wounded soldiers. This action is part of a broader pattern of information control by the Russian state regarding its military operations.

The 'I Want to Return' site archives a range of sensitive data points for each service member, such as:

• Full names;
• Military dog tag numbers;
• Assigned military units;
• Medical diagnoses;
• Dates of injury or death.

Although the project launched in January 2026, Russian authorities began blocking its activities just one month later. This swift response highlights official sensitivity to the public release of detailed casualty information.

Wider Information Access Restrictions

In a related move, Roskomnadzor partially restricted the operation of popular messaging apps, including Telegram, on Russian territory starting February 10. The agency had announced these partial restrictions for Telegram and WhatsApp back in August 2025. These measures were implemented following a directive from President Vladimir Putin mandating tighter control over software developed in nations deemed unfriendly.

According to the Coordination Headquarters, the blocked resource was a primary source for families seeking verified information about Russian army casualties, listing specific details like:

• First and last names;
• Dog tag numbers;
• Military units;
• Diagnoses;
• Dates of wounds or death.

Following the block, relatives of Russian soldiers and officers are now forced to rely on VPN services to access truthful information about the fate of their loved ones.

The shutdown of the 'I Want to Return' site reflects the Russian government's efforts to control the narrative around military losses and restrict access to data that could provoke public debate.

This situation underscores the critical need for military families to have access to accurate information, a need that grows more difficult as information controls tighten. Such actions have significant implications for public awareness and the broader understanding of the human cost of the conflict.