I am using the latest version of Brave Browser in Ukraine (specifically in Kyiv/Zaporizhzhya region, not in occupied territories). Leo AI is completely blocked and returns the error “This service is not available in your region” or “Failed to connect to Brave servers”.
Key Issues:
Geoblocking: The service works immediately when I enable a VPN (e.g., connecting to Poland or Germany).
OFAC Misinterpretation: US OFAC sanctions apply only to specific regions of Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, and occupied areas of Zaporizhzhya/Kherson). They do not apply to the whole country of Ukraine .
Functionality: Core features like Brave Search and Brave Shields work perfectly. Only Leo AI is blocked.
Steps to Reproduce:
Open Brave Browser in Ukraine
Tap the Leo AI icon in the address bar.
Type any message.
Observe error: “This service is not available in your region”.
Enable VPN (non-Ukraine IP) and try again. Leo works immediately.
Environment:
OS: Linux
Brave Version: Brave 1.94.117 (Офіційне складання) (x86_64)[
Location: Mainland Ukraine (unoccupied territory).
Request: Please update the geoblocking logic to distinguish between sanctioned regions of Ukraine and the rest of the country, in compliance with official OFAC guidelines.