Russian minister: Foreign services see soldiers' messages via Telegram

Russian Minister for Digital Development Maksud Shadayev warned that foreign intelligence services may have access to Russian soldiers' communications via the Telegram app. According to him, there are several indications that this information is subsequently used against the Russian army in the war in Ukraine.

Telegram is one of the most widely used communication platforms in Russia and is also actively used by soldiers on the front lines. At the same time, however, it is under increasing pressure from regulatory authorities.

Roskomnadzor has already announced a slowdown in its services as part of a broader crackdown on foreign platforms that Moscow says violate Russian law.

The Kremlin also recently confirmed the complete blocking of the American application WhatsApp.

The authorities also recommend using the state-supported MAX app, which critics describe as a potential surveillance tool. The Russian government rejects such accusations.

(reuters, pir)