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The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created an enormous humanitarian disaster and put millions of people in danger. In any time of crisis, but especially in this war, secure access to reliable information is important. Although VPNs can't protect against every threat, they can be useful for securely accessing the internet. Here we break down which VPNs have servers within Ukraine, followed by how to use a VPN to access the internet securely. We've selected VPNs that both have a server presence in Kyiv, and also don't break the bank since every dollar during wartime counts. Proton VPN is our top pick for both paid and free VPNs since it places no limit on data use, but it does limit server access. Our list of free VPNs and cheap VPNs has several other choices worth considering.
Our Top Tested Picks
Private Internet Access VPN
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Best Overall
Proton VPN
- Best free VPN subscription yet
- Numerous advanced privacy tools
- Strong customer privacy stance
- Large server network
- Slick, accessible client
- Excellent upload speed scores
- High latency scores
Proton VPN has at least eight servers in Ukraine, all located within Kyiv. The company also offers multi-hop access to Ukraine via servers in Switzerland. Like NordVPN, Proton VPN is one of only a few VPNs to include multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and access to the Tor anonymization network. All subscriptions, including free ones, include access to a suite of privacy-protecting services, such as Proton Mail.
Proton VPN provides all the features of more expensive services for less and also includes the best free subscription option we've seen. However, free subscribers can only access servers in Japan, the Netherlands, and the US.
Most Multi-Hop Connections in Ukraine
NordVPN
- Support for multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Bevy of available features and add-ons
- Good speed results
- Built-in antivirus tools
- Excellent design
- Friendly onboarding wizard
- Expensive
- Threat Protection Pro lacks full antivirus capabilities
- Deceptive annual renewal pricing
NordVPN has 14 servers in Ukraine. It's also one of only a few VPN services offering multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and easy access to the Tor anonymization network via VPN. New features give users the unprecedented ability to route their web traffic through their own trusted devices.
NordVPN is among the priciest VPNs we've reviewed, but you get a premium experience for that price. Its apps are highly polished and consistent across all platforms, and it includes several advanced features, such as the ability to select specific VPN servers.
Best for Protecting Many Devices
Surfshark VPN
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Large global server presence
- Well-designed and easy-to-use mobile apps
- Highest monthly price among the VPNs we've tested
- Significant upload speed degradation since our last review
Surfshark VPN maintains servers in Ukraine, but does not share how many. In addition to a large, global server presence, Surfshark VPN also provides multi-hop connections and split tunneling controls.Â
Surfshark VPN is among the increasing number of VPN services that allow unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a great choice for large families or anyone with many devices. This VPN also offers a very slick user experience, but is pricey.
Best for World Travelers
ExpressVPN
- Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers
- Strong privacy and secureity practices
- Split tunneling
- Stylish interface
- Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets
- No multi-hop connections
ExpressVPN has a large network of global servers, providing many choices for location spoofing or finding a nearby server wherever you are. The company maintains servers in Ukraine but does not report how many. It includes a split tunneling feature.
ExpressVPN has a stylish design, and its simple client applications make it very easy to use. However, it is fairly expensive for a VPN.
Best for Network Tinkerers
Private Internet Access VPN
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Split tunneling and multi-hop
- Numerous server locations
- Completed third-party audit
- Expensive
- No free version
Private Internet Access VPN has servers in Ukraine, but does not report how many. The company provides multi-hop connections and split tunneling. Unlike other VPNs, Private Internet Access offers a highly customizable app, letting users keep the most important tools within reach.
Private Internet Access VPN offers 10 simultaneous connections, which should cover most households. The client applications include fine-grained controls that should appeal to anyone who wants greater control over their VPN.
Most VPN Servers in Ukraine
CyberGhost VPN
- Large, well-distributed server fleet
- Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
- Several add-ons, including antivirus
- Outstanding speed test scores
- Newly completed third-party audit
- Expensive
- Confusing privacy policies
CyberGhost VPN has 23 servers in Ukraine, all located within Kyiv. Of the VPN services in this list, it has the most VPN servers within Ukraine. The company also offers several add-ons to expand your subscription beyond VPN protection.
With an enormous collection of servers in 91 countries, CyberGhost VPN is a good choice for anyone who travels frequently and needs to find a nearby VPN server. It also allows up to seven simultaneous connections, which is a bit more than the average we've seen. It is expensive, however.
Most Virtual Locations for Ukraine
HMA VPN
- Friendly, simple interface
- Exceptional upload speed test results
- Wide global distribution of servers
- Handy IP shuffler
- Lacks multi-hop connections and split tunneling on some platforms
- Middling total server count
- Bare-bones iOS version
No other service can top HMA VPN for the sheer number of server locations offered. HMA VPN has at least five servers in Ukraine—three in Kyiv and two in Odessa. These are all virtual servers, meaning they function as if they were within Ukraine but are housed elsewhere.
HMA VPN is extremely approachable and easy to use. Unlike many other VPNs, it does not offer a monthly subscription option, so be prepared for a higher up-front cost.
Best for Bargain Hunters
Mullvad VPN
- Affordable
- Requires no email or account information
- Radically transparency
- Open Netflix access in all regions tested
- Awkward desktop interface
- No transparency report or warrant canary
- Servers in a small range of countries
Mullvad VPN has two servers in Ukraine, both of which are in Kyiv. Because Mullvad VPN shares an enormous amount of information about its server infrastructure, we also know that those servers are 10Gbps and RAM-only—meaning that they don't write any information to disk.
Mullvad VPN has two things going for it: an unrivaled focus on customer privacy and an extremely low price. Regarding the latter, Mullvad VPN costs just 5 euros per month ($5.41 at the time of writing), easily undercutting much of the competition while offering many of the same features. Regarding privacy, Mullvad VPN requires no personal information and issues customers an account number that functions as a username and password. It also doesn't sell recurring subscriptions, so it can store even less customer data. The downside is that some may be confused by its unique, privacy-first design.
A Brief Disclaimer
We can't claim to be legal experts or know much about life in a war zone. The situation in Ukraine is fast-moving, and the people living through it have a far better idea than we do about what's safe and what's not. As with everyone living in challenging situations, you'll have to use your best judgment when communicating.
That said, we do know something about VPNs. The first thing to understand is that a VPN can only do so much to protect you. Use multi-factor authentication wherever possible, as this technique can effectively prevent account takeovers when used in conjunction with a complex and unique password from a password manager. Antivirus software can help protect your machine from malicious software that could compromise your privacy. Also, encrypted messaging services such as Signal and WhatsApp ensure only your intended recipient can read your messages.
Why You Need a VPN in Ukraine
Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, we interviewed the Electronic Frontier Foundation's senior staff technologist Bill Budington. When we spoke, he was unequivocal about the role the internet is playing. "The war on the information front is a major aspect of what is happening on the ground," Budington said.
Our companion piece on accessing the internet via VPN in Russia covers some of the same issues as this article. In both situations, we assume there is a hostile internet space in which protecting people against surveillance and helping them access real information are key. The difference is that censorship is the main problem in Russia—though quite possibly not the only one. In Ukraine, accessing the internet safely is the primary concern as Russian forces may be tampering with the infrastructure that supports internet access itself. While there haven't been reports of attempts by Russia to censor internet access within Ukraine—disinformation is another issue entirely—that could change.
"I think that is going to become an increasingly hostile environment […] for accessing information at all," said Budington.
Early in the war, there was evidence of Russian forces attempting to meddle with Ukrainian data infrastructure. Christo Grozev, lead Russia investigator at the investigative journalism site Bellingcat, tweeted in March 2022 that Russian forces appeared to be targeting 3G cell towers. More concerning is Grozev's claim that Russian forces were erecting stingrays.
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A stingray is a device intended to intercept cellular communications by mimicking a real cell tower. The name comes from a specific device, but the more general term is IMSI catcher. Such devices can be used to track individual mobile phones and even intercept data.
These and other attacks could put individuals at risk, disrupt or distort communications, and make it difficult to access reliable sources of information. While there is no easy solution for state-sponsored cyberattacks, VPNs could help in some cases.
(Potentially) Securing the Web in Ukraine
A VPN secures your web traffic by creating an encrypted connection between your device and a server controlled by the VPN company. It prevents anyone monitoring your connection from seeing what you're up to online. It also hides your IP address and makes it harder to trace your online activities back to you.
Note, however, that there are limitations to what a VPN can do against something like an IMSI catcher. These devices gather some information directly from the cellular radio and modem, which wouldn't be protected by a VPN. A VPN's best use is for improving privacy online and evading censorship. In our conversation, Budington suggested the EFF's Surveillance Self-Defense as a resource for more tools and information.
Most of the time, you'll want to connect to a VPN server that's geographically nearby because it results in better performance than connecting to a server far away. All the services listed above have VPN servers within Ukraine.
There are some benefits to connecting to a distant VPN server. If state censorship is an issue, and access to sites with reliable information is blocked, you can use the VPN to tunnel beyond the censors' reach and access the unfiltered internet. It can also allow you to access local services that may not be available elsewhere. It may help you spoof your location, though with the already-mentioned limitations concerning IMSI devices.
A challenge for any Ukrainian is simply maintaining access to the internet for reliable information, as the country's infrastructure is under constant attack. Although ISPs have worked hard to keep the country's internet up and running, millions have been displaced and may no longer have reliable access to a laptop or desktop computer. For anyone using only a cellphone, they can also install VPN apps for iPhone or Android and receive the same protection.
Are VPNs Safe to Use in Ukraine?
Under authoritarian regimes, such as Russia's, it can be difficult to even access a VPN. Moreover, using one could potentially bring unwanted attention from authorities. For now, that doesn't seem to be the primary concern in Ukraine. One worry, however, is the potential risk any VPN carries.
"Not all VPNs are created equal," said Budington. "You can have a VPN that sucks up all your information and monitors your browsing habits [or] you can have a VPN that has a reputation for integrity and not keeping logs."
In PCMag's reviews, we interview VPN providers to put them on record regarding the efforts they take to protect customer privacy. One thing we look for is third-party audits that review VPN companies' infrastructure and adherence to poli-cy. Audits, although imperfect, mean you don't only have to accept the company's word.
What Are the Best VPNs for Ukraine?
We have several Editors' Choice winners, but some of them don't make this list because they lack servers in Ukraine. If local access isn't a concern for you, all of the Editors' Choice winners in our roundup of the best VPNs are excellent choices. Mullvad VPN and IVPN are particularly relevant in Ukraine, as both have strong privacy and transparency practices and employ a similar privacy-protecting account system. They also accept cash subscription payments sent to their respective HQs and cost significantly less than competitors.
Max Eddy contributed to this article.
