Russian troops are facing communication challenges after authorities restricted access to both Telegram and Starlink, according to reports emerging Friday. The move, confirmed by Russia’s Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, Maksut Shadaev, comes despite the military’s reliance on Telegram for frontline communication.
Shadaev stated on February 18th that a decision had been made “not to limit Telegram’s operation in the SMO zone for now,” referring to the “special military operation” in Ukraine. He acknowledged that mechanisms for implementing this decision were still being determined, but expressed hope that service members would eventually transition to alternative platforms. This announcement follows months of increasing restrictions on Telegram within Russia, beginning with call blocking in August 2025 and expanding to other features of the messaging app.
The restrictions coincide with reported disruptions to Starlink service for Russian forces. While SpaceX maintains it does not sell or ship Starlink to Russia, nor conduct business with the Russian government or military, evidence surfaced in early February 2026 indicating increased Russian use of the satellite internet system to enhance the range of their drones. Following these allegations, SpaceX announced it would collaborate with Ukraine’s defense ministry to block Russian access to Starlink.
The loss of both communication channels has reportedly impacted the Russian military’s command structure. ZDFheute reported Friday that the outages are weakening the Russian chain of command. Reports from the Zaporizhzhia region, where Ukrainian forces have launched a counteroffensive near Huliaipole, suggest that disruptions in Telegram and Starlink have already created problems for Russian troops. Some pro-government bloggers in Russia have criticized the restrictions, noting Telegram’s crucial role in military communications.
The Kremlin has acknowledged the potential complications of blocking Telegram, stating that it is difficult to envision a scenario where such a move wouldn’t hinder the coordination of Russian military efforts. Roskomnadzor, the Russian communications regulator, has been implementing “consistent restrictions” on Telegram, but the extent of these restrictions and their long-term impact remain unclear.
The situation is further complicated by accusations that Western intelligence agencies are monitoring Telegram communications used by Russian forces. Shadaev alluded to this concern, suggesting it is a factor in the ongoing debate over restricting the platform. As of Friday, no alternative communication system has been officially designated to replace Telegram for Russian troops operating in Ukraine.
