Russia has intensified its long-running dispute with Telegram after announcing criminal charges against founder Pavel Durov over alleged terrorism-related activities. The Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, confirmed the decision while issuing an international arrest warrant against the billionaire entrepreneur.
Authorities accused Telegram of failing to remove material allegedly used by Ukrainian special services alongside terrorist and extremist organisations operating inside Russia. According to the FSB, that content helped coordinate sabotage, terrorism, mass killings, and cyber fraud targeting the Russian Federation. The announcement marks another escalation in Russia’s increasingly complicated relationship with one of the world’s largest encrypted messaging platforms serving over one billion users.
Authorities Renew Pressure on Telegram
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) alleged that Telegram failed to remove content used by Ukrainian special services, terrorist organisations, and extremist groups to coordinate attacks inside Russia. Officials claimed the platform enabled sabotage, terrorism, cyber fraud, and other criminal activities through encrypted communication. Shortly after the announcement, Telegram’s official X account posted an image of founder Pavel Durov making an obscene gesture but provided no further statement.
Founded in 2013, Telegram now serves more than one billion users and remains widely used throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Although Russia has repeatedly promoted its state-backed MAX messaging platform, government agencies, including the Kremlin and Defence Ministry, continue relying on Telegram for official communications and public announcements.
International Scrutiny Surrounds Durov
Pavel Durov founded the Russian social networking platform VKontakte before selling his remaining stake in 2014 amid pressure from Russian authorities. Although born in Russia, he now holds Emirati and French citizenship. French authorities are also investigating Durov over allegations that Telegram failed to curb criminal activity and cooperate with law enforcement requests, which he has repeatedly denied.
Earlier this year, Russian state media reported a terrorism-related investigation involving Durov and Telegram. In April, Durov said authorities delivered a summons to his former Russian residence, calling it an attack on constitutional protections for free speech and private correspondence. His current location remains unconfirmed, although recent posts suggested travel through Dubai and Georgia.
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