Kremlin plans full Telegram ban, sources say
Illustrative photo: the popular messenger is reportedly set to stop working in Russia (Getty Images)
The Russian regime has reportedly already set a date to block the Telegram messenger in Russia. This is expected to happen at the beginning of April this year, according to Russian media sources.
Read also: Russia's FSB set to gain power to fully cut internet and phone networks
It is reported that as early as the beginning of April, the Russian authorities may attempt to completely block the messenger. Sources close to the Kremlin told propagandists that the decision is supposedly final.
The Russian authorities cite alleged "cases of recruiting people to carry out illegal activities" as the reason for blocking the messenger. At the same time, there are still no plans to restrict the messenger’s operation in the so-called "combat zone."
Meanwhile, Russia is trying to declare Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, a terrorist. The Russian security forces have already opened a corresponding "criminal case," and some unclear "investigation" is underway.
Interestingly, when Russian propagandists contacted Roskomnadzor, the agency responsible for blocking certain websites and messengers, for comment, it stated that it has no information regarding a possible Telegram block at the beginning of April.
Why is Telegram being blocked in Russia?
Russians are not blocking Telegram because of alleged "recruitment" cases. They aim to build their own version of the "Chinese model" of the internet, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council (RNBO) of Ukraine.
According to him, Russian security services will control the so-called messenger Max, while in Telegram, they will conduct "cognitive operations" against Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.
"This is reminiscent of the situation with YouTube, where Russian actors continue working with a focus on the information spaces of countries where it is necessary to spread narratives favorable to Russia. At the same time, restrictions apply within Russia itself," Kovalenko added.
Restrictions and Max
Russia has restricted the use of two popular messengers — Telegram and WhatsApp — in temporarily occupied Crimea. Instead, users are being forced to install the Russian messenger Max.
The first "national" messenger, Max, was launched in Russia on September 12, 2025. It will be preinstalled on all phones sold in stores, and Russians are being required to switch from other platforms to it.
At the same time, the new messenger is another tool for monitoring Russians and the population of territories temporarily occupied by Russia. The Kremlin has openly admitted that messaging on the platform is completely "transparent" to the FSB.
