Russian crackdown on Telegram app prompts rare criticism from soldiers, pro-war bloggers and officials

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Critics say restricting social media app risks harming communications between state, military units and public

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.