Russia Targets Telegram as Durov Faces Terror Probe

• Russia opens terrorism probe into Pavel Durov to pressure Telegram
• Kremlin links Telegram to NATO influence and wartime security risks
• Crackdown signals push toward state-backed MAX platform control

Russia intensified its campaign against Telegram on Tuesday by launching a criminal investigation into founder Pavel Durov, signaling a deeper effort to curb the messaging platform’s influence during wartime. 

Authorities linked the probe to terrorism-related charges and renewed attempts to restrict access to the app, which remains widely used across Russia and Ukraine. Consequently, the move underscores Moscow’s determination to tighten digital control as the conflict enters its fourth year.

State newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported that investigators are examining Durov under Article 205.1 of Russia’s Criminal Code. Officials allege that Telegram assists extremist activity and serves hostile foreign interests. Moreover, the report described the platform as a hybrid threat tool tied to NATO and Ukrainian networks.

Related: Telegram to Be First Client of Pavel Durov’s New Decentralized AI Network ‘Cocoon’

Telegram has denied claims that it supports criminal conduct. Durov previously argued that Russia aims to push citizens toward a state-backed alternative called MAX. He warned that authorities seek greater surveillance through domestic platforms. However, Russian officials continue to portray Telegram as a national security risk.

Kremlin Signals Broader Security Push

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said authorities observed content on Telegram that could threaten public safety. He added that officials documented repeated violations and a refusal to cooperate with regulators. Hence, agencies are pursuing measures they consider appropriate under current laws.

Russian leaders defend the crackdown as a response to security challenges inside the country. They cite cross-border attacks and alleged sabotage attempts linked to Western intelligence. Additionally, officials have tightened restrictions on virtual private networks and messaging services, including WhatsApp.

Moscow slowed Telegram’s voice and video features in recent months. It also temporarily blocked the app for some users earlier this month. Nevertheless, many users in Russia still access the service.

Telegram’s Role in Wartime Information Flow

Since its launch in 2013, Telegram has become a major news channel inside Russia. Soldiers, bloggers, and political activists rely on it for updates from the front lines. Significantly, both pro-Kremlin commentators and opposition figures use the same platform.

Durov left Russia in 2014 after he refused government demands involving his earlier company, VK. He now resides in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, he has criticized restrictions in Europe and Russia alike. French authorities arrested him in 2024 during a separate investigation, though they later allowed him to depart while inquiries continued.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Federal Security Service claims Ukrainian forces gather data through Telegram accounts used by Russian troops. Consequently, the government frames its actions as defensive. However, critics argue that the crackdown reflects a broader expansion of state surveillance modeled partly on China’s system.

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