I really really don't like this sentiment. "In real terms" meaning that you have to intentionally break the law. And only advanced users can get the benefit of worldwide internet services otherwise banned. Granted this is an easy opportunity for a whataboutist, hypocrisy point here concerning other countries, and I'd agree with those countries being incorrect too.

We should not be encouraging laws like this, and definitely not excusing them by saying that advanced users can circumvent them. If the Russian government really wanted to protect citizens, why not put laws in place on data protection requirements as opposed to data location requirements? (hint: it's because they don't want to protect the citizens)