Kremlin rejects claims Telegram limits hurt Russian forces in Ukraine

“I don’t think it’s possible to imagine that frontline communications are conducted via Telegram or any other messenger,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. “It’s hard and impossible to imagine.”

Peskov was responding to statements by pro-war “Z-bloggers,” who argued that Telegram remains the primary means of communication for Russian troops and that blocking the service could have “fatal consequences” for forces at the front.

Commenting on the restrictions, Peskov said “the law must be followed.”

“We know there are ongoing contacts with people from Telegram, but if there is no response, Roskomnadzor will take measures,” he added, referring to Russia’s media and communications regulator.

Disruptions to the messaging app began on Feb. 9. The following day, Roskomnadzor announced tighter restrictions and declared the service blocked. The move triggered backlash among pro-war bloggers, who said Telegram slowdowns hindered battlefield coordination and contributed to casualties among Russian troops.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov addressed the slowdown in Russia, saying authorities were trying to “force citizens to switch to a state-controlled app designed for surveillance and political censorship.”

“Restricting citizens’ freedoms is never the right response,” Durov said. He added that Telegram “stands for freedom of speech and privacy, regardless of pressure.”