Russian Crackdown on Telegram App Prompts Rare Criticism from Soldiers, Pro-War Bloggers and Officials
Russia's communications watchdog announced on Wednesday that it would begin slowing the Telegram social media app nationwide, accusing it of failing to address earlier regulatory violations. This decision has triggered rare public criticism across Russian society, from frontline troops and hawkish military bloggers to lifestyle influencers and exiled opposition figures.
Military Communications at Risk
Critics argue that restricting the social media app risks harming communications between state, military units, and the public. Telegram is used by more than 60 million people in Russia each day and has become an essential tool for Russian troops, especially at the tactical level and in rear positions. Many units maintain group chats to coordinate logistics, share updates, and even organize fundraising for equipment and munitions.
Several videos circulated online on Tuesday showing Russian soldiers criticizing the restrictions. In one video address, a serviceman challenged the regulator directly: "Did you even ask us? Did anyone come and find out whether this would be useful?" Another soldier described Telegram as "the only chain" linking units with various state structures and agencies, urging officials to reconsider.
Pro-War Bloggers Voice Concerns
The backlash has been particularly sharp within the pro-war blogging community and the army. Some pro-war bloggers close to the defence ministry warned that restrictions on Telegram could hamper Russia's air defences in responding to drone attacks. "Telegram remains almost the only means of communication in active combat units and helps coordinate inter-agency mobile fire groups," wrote the pro-Kremlin channel Dva Mayora.
One prominent pro-war commentator noted: "With clear problems around Starlink and horizontal links between units built around Telegram chats, this hardly seems the best moment to slow it down." This comes days after Ukraine said Starlink terminals being used by Russian troops had been deactivated after talks between Kyiv and Elon Musk.
Kremlin's Internet Control Agenda
The move fits into the Kremlin's aim to achieve a "sovereign internet" – an online space cut off from western technology and foreign influence, and more vulnerable to state control. At the same time, officials have been promoting a state-backed "super-app" called Max, modelled on China's WeChat, as Moscow tightens its grip over foreign messaging platforms.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, Moscow has accelerated its efforts to tighten control over the internet, restricting western platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram. Telegram, however, has largely been allowed to operate – in part because of its popularity among ordinary Russians and its usefulness in amplifying pro-Kremlin narratives.
Founder's Defiant Response
The Dubai-based billionaire tech entrepreneur and Telegram founder, Pavel Durov, issued a rare public rebuke of his native Russia, comparing the measures to attempts by Iran to curb the platform. "Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer," he said in a statement. "Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said officials were "in contact with representatives" of Telegram, adding that if the company failed to respond, Russia's communications watchdog would take further action "in accordance with our legislation." Peskov sought to downplay the criticism, saying it was "hard to imagine" frontline communications being conducted through any messenger service, including Telegram.
Regional Officials Express Worry
Some regional officials voiced concern that slowing Telegram could hinder the flow of urgent information to residents in border regions. Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region which frequently comes under Ukrainian drone attacks, said: "I worry that slowing Telegram channels could affect the delivery of operational information if the situation worsens."
At the same time, the app has emerged as a crucial space for Russians looking beyond state narratives, carrying influential channels tied to Alexei Navalny's network and other exiled opposition figures. Users reported sluggish traffic and delayed video and image downloads throughout Tuesday, though the app continued to work for most functions.
It remains unclear whether Moscow will move to block Telegram outright or initially slow the service in an attempt to pressure the company to work more closely with authorities. The crackdown comes at a sensitive moment for Russia's military and represents a significant test of the government's ability to balance internet control with practical communication needs.
