A Russian crackdown on the Telegram social media app risks damaging its own army, pro-war bloggers have warned, as the platform’s founder refused to bend to pressure from Moscow.
Russia’s communications watchdog said on Wednesday that the app – used by more than 60 million Russians each day – would begin slowing nationwide, accusing it of failing to address earlier regulatory violations.
The decision has triggered rare public criticism across Russian society, from frontline troops and hawkish military bloggers to lifestyle influencers and exiled opposition figures.
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.
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.
Users reported sluggish traffic and delayed video and image downloads throughout Tuesday, though the app continued to work for most functions.
The 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”.
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.”
The backlash has been particularly sharp within the pro-war blogging community and the army, where Telegram has become an essential communications tool. Several videos circulated online on Tuesday showing Russian soldiers criticising 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: “Before you do this, think about whether it’s really necessary.”
Telegram is widely used by Russian troops, especially at the tactical level and in rear positions. Many units maintain group chats to coordinate logistics, share updates and even organise fundraising for equipment and munitions.
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.
Peskov sought to downplay the criticism, saying it was “hard to imagine” frontline communications being conducted through any messenger service, including Telegram.
The crackdown comes at a sensitive moment for Russia’s military. Days earlier, Ukraine said Starlink terminals being used by Russian troops had been deactivated after talks between Kyiv and Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX operates the satellite network.
One prominent pro-war commentator wrote: “With clear problems around Starlink and horizontal links between units built around Telegram chats, this hardly seems the best moment to slow it down.”
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. Virtually all Russian officials use the app daily for public messaging and private communication.
Some regional officials voiced concern that slowing Telegram could hinder the flow of urgent information to residents in border regions. “I worry that slowing Telegram channels could affect the delivery of operational information if the situation worsens,” said Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, which frequently comes under Ukrainian drone attacks.
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.
