Russian reaction
Russian independent linux community planned as a strong reaction to the recent decision by the Linux community to delist several Russian kernel maintainers, calling it “an act of discrimination.” The country’s digital ministry announced plans to create its own independent development community for the open-source operating system.
Plans for an Alternative Linux Community
In a statement to local media, Russia’s digital ministry expressed its intention to strengthen ties with countries willing to collaborate. They aim to build an “alternative structure” for Linux development. A representative emphasized the importance of fostering conditions for cooperation to create a unique product. However, it remains unclear if this new community has gained support from other countries or if it is feasible.
Background on the Delisting
The Linux community’s decision to block 11 Russian developers from maintaining the Linux kernel—its core code—was made due to “various compliance requirements.” Linux creator Linus Torvalds affirmed that this decision would not be reversed, citing his unwillingness to support what he called “Russian aggression.”
The restrictions were primarily directed at developers whose companies are controlled by entities listed by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, which designates organizations involved in activities that threaten U.S. national security.
Criticism from Russian Experts
Russian cyber experts have criticized the Linux community’s decision, suggesting it could harm trust among developers and impact the quality of Linux products. An expert from Kaspersky, a cybersecurity firm sanctioned by the U.S., stated that suspicion toward patches from Russian developers may increase, complicating the integration of changes into the main software version.
However, some experts believe that the overall impact of the delisting will be minimal. Ivan Panchenko, co-founder of a Russian company focused on open-source database management, noted that while Russian contributions to the kernel are not critical, patches for general software issues might still be accepted. He also mentioned the possibility of Russian developers creating separate versions of the kernel, known as forks.
Previous Incidents and Future Steps
This situation is not unprecedented. Last year, a Russian developer’s GitHub account was blocked due to sanctions, highlighting ongoing challenges for Russian tech contributors. In light of the recent developments, the Russian Ministry of Digital Development is moving quickly to establish its own Linux community, although details on how this will be implemented are still vague.
The Role of Astra Linux
Amid these developments, Astra Linux has emerged as a significant player in Russia’s tech landscape. Developed by RusBITech, Astra Linux is a distribution tailored for government and military use, emphasizing security and compliance with Russian regulations. As the country seeks to bolster its independent tech community, Astra Linux could play a crucial role in providing a reliable alternative to Western operating systems.
The operating system is designed to meet the specific needs of Russian users, ensuring that software solutions are available without reliance on foreign technology. Astra Linux’s focus on security aligns with Russia’s goals to maintain control over its technological infrastructure, especially in sensitive areas like defense and public safety.
Conclusion
The ongoing tensions between Russia and the Linux community reflect broader geopolitical issues and raise questions about the future of open-source collaboration. As Russia seeks to form an independent development community, the effectiveness and viability of this new structure will remain to be seen. With Astra Linux leading the charge for domestic development, the future landscape of Russian technology could look very different.
