Russia blocks Telegram sooner than expected while officials avoid state messenger
Illustrative image: Russians are forced to switch to MAX (Getty Images)
Russia began blocking the Telegram messenger earlier than expected. At the same time, Russian authorities are pushing everyone toward the so-called national messenger MAX, while being reluctant to use it themselves, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
According to intelligence data, a paradoxical situation has emerged: Russian officials and top managers of state-owned companies are avoiding installing the app on their personal devices. The reason is fear of total surveillance by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
For example, members of the Russian elite have reportedly begun purchasing separate smartphones and registering new SIM cards exclusively for using MAX. In informal conversations, they admit that installing the service effectively means handing over full control of their devices to Russian security services.
Interestingly, these double standards exist even within Russia’s government structures. According to data from Russia’s state procurement portal, special SIM cards are planned for officials in Chechnya, which will provide unlimited access to all resources blocked in Russia.
In effect, intelligence concludes, while ordinary citizens are being deprived of communication tools, the ruling elite is creating privileged conditions for itself or seeking ways to bypass its own surveillance.
Earlier reports indicated that the Russian regime had already set a date for blocking Telegram in the country. It was expected to happen at the beginning of April — starting April 1, the messenger would cease to function in Russia.
The first so-called national messenger, MAX, was launched in Russia on September 12, 2025. Under Russian law, it is to be pre-installed on all phones sold in stores, and citizens are being pushed to switch to it from other platforms.
