Russia Considers Telegram a Security Risk, Eyes Ban & Promotes Alternative App
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) accused the Telegram messaging app of providing intelligence to Ukraine’s military and special services, stating that the apply of the platform by Russian servicemen has repeatedly endangered their lives. The accusation, made on Saturday, February 21, 2026, comes as Russian authorities continue to grapple with the app’s widespread use despite attempts to restrict its access.
According to the FSB, Ukrainian forces are able to quickly obtain and utilize information posted on Telegram for military purposes. “The Federal Security Service has reliable data indicating that the armed forces and special services of Ukraine are capable of quickly obtaining information posted on the Telegram messenger and using it for military purposes,” the FSB stated. The agency further claimed that analysis of Telegram’s usage by Russian military personnel over the past three months revealed numerous instances where the app created life-threatening situations for soldiers.
The FSB’s warning follows a period of fluctuating restrictions on Telegram within Russia. In December, Russian authorities began slowing down the app’s performance. A brief, full restriction of access was implemented in early February, but was quickly lifted following complaints from military personnel who rely on the platform for communication.
This latest move by the FSB raises concerns about a potential full ban of Telegram in Russia, mirroring previous actions taken against other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and WhatsApp since 2019.
Telegram, founded by Pavel Durov, is widely used in both Russia and Ukraine, serving as a key communication tool for individuals, government agencies, and soldiers on the front lines. Durov was briefly detained in France in 2024, facing accusations of allowing criminal activity on the app, and has consistently criticized restrictions on digital freedom, often focusing on policies in Western governments. Reports have also surfaced alleging cooperation between Durov and Russian intelligence agencies.
For months, Russian authorities have been pressuring Telegram to host user data on servers located within Russia. The Digital Ministry has also asserted that foreign intelligence services are accessing data through Telegram to aid Ukraine’s defense efforts. Telegram has repeatedly denied these allegations.
Concurrently, Russia is promoting Max, a domestically developed messaging app intended to replace Telegram, WhatsApp, and other platforms. Although, Max has faced criticism for its potential as a surveillance tool, raising concerns about censorship and propaganda.
Dmitri Peskov, a spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, acknowledged that the Russian leadership utilizes Telegram for disseminating information. However, he noted a growing shift towards Max among government agencies, potentially in anticipation of a future ban on Telegram.