February 23, 2026
The Kremlin spent years building a messenger to replace Telegram. Now it’s reportedly telling soldiers the substitute is too insecure to use at the front.
Russian troops fighting in Ukraine have been advised to stop using Max — the Kremlin-backed “national messenger” app designed to replace Telegram — because it is not secure enough, the independent outlet Mediazona reports. The guidance comes as federal authorities have been throttling Telegram since summer 2025, triggering a backlash from pro-war commentators who say the app remains soldiers’ most reliable means of frontline communication. The Federal Security Service (FSB) has warned separately that Ukrainian forces can intercept Telegram traffic.
TL;DR
- Russian troops fighting in Ukraine are reportedly advised to stop using the "national messenger" app Max.
- Max is described as not secure enough for frontline communication.
- Federal authorities have been throttling Telegram since summer 2025.
- Pro-war commentators criticize the throttling of Telegram, citing it as essential for soldiers.
- The Federal Security Service (FSB) warns that Ukrainian forces can intercept Telegram traffic.
- Russian officials deny that troops rely on Telegram and state they use "standard communications equipment" and "domestically developed messenger" apps.
Continue reading the original article