Foreign intelligence services can access messages sent by Russian soldiers through the Telegram app, Russia’s digital development minister has said, according to the Interfax news agency.
Maksud Shadayev made the remarks on Wednesday, warning that sensitive military communications may have been exposed. Telegram remains one of the most widely used messaging platforms in Russia, and Russian forces fighting in Ukraine rely on it heavily for communication.
Minister Warns Of Intelligence Access
Shadayev said there were numerous indications that foreign intelligence agencies had gained access to correspondence on the messenger. He added that these agencies were using the data against the Russian military.
His comments raise concerns about operational security, particularly as troops continue to depend on commercial messaging apps. However, he did not provide detailed evidence to support the claim.
Telegram has faced mounting pressure from Russian authorities in recent years. Officials have criticised the platform for failing to remove what they describe as extremist content. As a result, regulators have imposed restrictions on its operations inside Russia.
Regulatory Crackdown Intensifies
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications watchdog, has announced that it is slowing down Telegram’s service. The move forms part of a broader crackdown on foreign owned messaging platforms that regulators say have failed to comply with Russian law.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed last week that WhatsApp had been completely blocked in Russia. The app belongs to Meta Platforms. Authorities said the platform failed to meet local legal requirements.
Officials have encouraged citizens to switch to a state backed alternative known as MAX. They have promoted the service as a secure national messenger designed to replace foreign platforms.
Concerns Over State Backed Alternative
However, critics argue that MAX functions as a surveillance tool. They warn that the state could monitor private communications through the platform. Russian authorities deny these allegations and insist that the service operates within legal boundaries.
The developments reflect growing tension between Moscow and foreign technology companies. As authorities tighten digital controls, messaging platforms have become central to wider debates over security, censorship and sovereignty.
Shadayev’s remarks underline the strategic importance of digital communication tools in modern conflict. At the same time, the dispute highlights the challenges governments face when balancing national security concerns with access to global technology platforms.
With inputs from Reuters