Telegram ignored 150,000 requests from Russia, Shadaev said

Reported Facts

Observable data points shared across all narratives

•Russian Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev publicly stated that Telegram ignored about 150,000 requests from Russian authorities to remove prohibited information.
•Russian state media and officials reported that the Ministry of Digital Development believes foreign intelligence services have access to Telegram messages.
•Russian officials specifically claimed that foreign intelligence services can read Telegram messages sent by Russian soldiers participating in the conflict in Ukraine.
•Shadayev stated that Telegram will not be blocked or restricted for Russian soldiers in the Special Military Operation area.
•Russian users reported malfunctions or disruptions in Telegram’s operation around 18 February 2026.
•Russian outlets reported that the Ministry of Digital Development has had contacts with Telegram, which were discussed publicly by Shadayev.
•Russian security services, including the Federal Security Service (FSB), have accused Telegram and its founder Pavel Durov of enabling terrorism and child exploitation by not adequately cooperating with Russian authorities.

Narrative Split

How different information blocks interpret these facts

REGIONAL

Tool of war and repression

Regional and independent outlets frame the Russian government’s campaign against Telegram as part of a broader effort to tighten information control while still exploiting the app for battlefield communications. They attribute responsibility to Russian authorities for using security allegations to justify censorship and surveillance, while tolerating Telegram’s risks because it remains indispensable for Russian forces and propaganda. These sources suggest the outcome could be increased pressure on Telegram, selective blocking, or deeper state infiltration rather than a full shutdown.

•Regional and independent media report that the FSB has broken off contact with Telegram founder Pavel Durov, accusing him of enabling terrorism and child exploitation as a pretext for stronger control.
•These outlets highlight that, despite alleging foreign spies can read soldiers’ messages, the Digital Development Ministry insists Telegram will not be blocked for Russian troops, indicating operational dependence.
•They argue that Russian authorities use large figures such as 150,000 ignored requests to portray Telegram as lawless and justify expanded censorship powers over digital platforms.
•They suggest that claims about foreign intelligence access may be leveraged to push for greater state monitoring of soldiers’ communications and to discourage use of uncontrolled channels.
•They frame the tension between public security accusations and continued use of Telegram as evidence that the Kremlin prioritizes information management and mobilization over consistent cybersecurity policy.

Noncompliant and security‑risk platform

Russian state and official narratives depict Telegram as failing to comply with Russian law while simultaneously exposing Russian users, including soldiers, to foreign intelligence surveillance. They attribute this to Telegram’s refusal to cooperate with Russian regulators and security agencies, framing the platform as a vector for prohibited content and hostile intelligence activity. Officials signal that while Telegram remains operational for now, it is under scrutiny and may face regulatory or technical pressure if perceived risks grow.

•Russian authorities claim Telegram ignored approximately 150,000 official requests to remove content classified as prohibited under Russian law, indicating systematic non‑compliance.
•The Ministry of Digital Development and security services assert that foreign intelligence agencies can access and read Telegram messages, including those of Russian soldiers in the Special Military Operation zone.

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