Russia Russian secret service classifies Telegram as a threat
Moscow's domestic intelligence service, the FSB, has classified the online platform Telegram, which is used by millions of people in Russia, as a security risk. The Russian military has repeatedly endangered the lives of soldiers by using the messenger on the front line in the fight against Ukrainian troops, the FSB announced in Moscow.
21.02.2026, 13:25
SDA
According to the statement, there is "reliable information that the armed forces and intelligence services of Ukraine are able to retrieve information from the Telegram messaging service within a very short time and use it for military purposes".
The FSB's accusations are once again fueling fears in Russia that the extremely popular social network could soon be shut down in the country. For many Russians, Telegram is the most important way to gain unhindered access to information.
The Russian power apparatus has developed the national messenger service Max, which is intended to replace Telegram, WhatsApp and other networks. The app has been criticized as a surveillance tool that not only controls people, but also feeds them censored content and propaganda.
Telegram under increasing pressure in Russia
The Russian telecommunications regulator Roskomnadzor recently throttled Telegram. The authority accuses the messenger service of not complying with Russian laws. For example, banned content is not being deleted. And Telegram is doing too little against fraudsters who misuse the messenger for criminal purposes, it said.
In addition, the apparatus of power demands that Telegram operates its servers with the data of Russian users in the country - and not abroad. The Ministry of Digital Affairs recently also claimed that foreign intelligence services were receiving data via Telegram in order to use it in the fight against the Russian army. Telegram has repeatedly denied such accusations.
Criticism of action against messenger service
Digital Minister Maksut Shadayev declared this week that Telegram should only be used in war zones for the time being until Max can replace the service. Russian military bloggers as well as high-ranking politicians in border areas with Ukraine had criticized the slowdown of Telegram and pointed out the importance of the messenger for the people.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian leadership was using Telegram to spread news. However, more and more authorities are switching to Max - probably also in case Telegram is blocked.
