In a development for the Russian-speaking online community, Ruwiki — the nation’s take on the globally recognized Wikipedia—is slated for its grand unveiling this coming Monday. Reports from local media indicate that after a period of beta testing which commenced in mid-2023, Ruwiki has amassed a repository of articles surpassing those in Wikipedia’s Russian section.
Despite the tightening grip on internet freedom post-February 2022, Russian authorities have not signaled any immediate intent to restrict access to Wikipedia. Nonetheless, the platform has faced penalties imposed by Russian courts concerning content related to Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin endorsed the creation of alternative knowledge platforms like Ruwiki in May 2022. This initiative seems to align with the broader strategy to foster domestic online resources.
During its trial phase, Ruwiki has drawn significant attention. The Izvestia newspaper, referencing the platform’s press service, noted the most frequented articles covered diverse topics, from notable 2023 obituaries to the ongoing tensions in the Arab-Israeli conflict, Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, and the Russian box office hits.
The engagement metrics are promising, users reportedly spent over six minutes per visit and explored more than five pages on average, hinting at a robust user interest.
