Open data can increase transparency and accountability of a country government, leading to free information sharing and stimulation of new innovations. This paper analyses government open data policy as well as open data initiatives and trends in Russian Federation. The OECD analytical framework for national open government data portals and supporting initiatives is used as the bases for the study. The key issues of Russian open government data movement are summarized and aggregated. The paper argues the necessity of systematic development of the open data ecosystem, the leading role of the government in data release, a deeper business involvement, and a reduction of bureaucratic barriers.