February 26, 2026
Russia reportedly plans to fully block Telegram in April — except for on the front lines
The Russian authorities plan to permanently block the messaging app Telegram in early April, the news outlet RBC reported, citing a source familiar with discussions in the relevant government agencies.
TL;DR
- Russian authorities plan to permanently block Telegram in early April.
- Reasons cited include the recruitment of individuals, including minors, for unlawful acts.
- The decision is described as final by sources close to the Kremlin.
- Russia's censorship agency, Roskomnadzor, has had nothing new to add to previous statements.
- There were prior service disruptions and announcements of further restrictions by Roskomnadzor.
- Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev previously stated no plans to restrict Telegram on the front lines, but expressed hope for a transition to other platforms.
- One source suggests Telegram may only function at the front by April.
- Previous reports indicated Roskomnadzor's plans to block the messenger by April.
- Telegram is one of the last messaging apps not controlled by the Russian state.
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