Russia signals possible nationwide Telegram ban from 1 April
Telegram may become unavailable in Russia starting April 1. (Photo: Mateusz Slodkowski / SOPA Images via Reuters)
Russia’s media and communications regulator Roskomnadzor is reportedly set to fully block the messaging app Telegram starting on April 1, 2026, according to Russian Telegram channels on Feb. 17, including Baza, a channel known for its ties to law enforcement sources.
Roskomnadzor has neither confirmed nor denied the reports. The alleged date of the “final blocking” surfaced a day after Sergei Boyarsky, head of the Russian State Duma’s committee on information policy, said Telegram needed to take “a few more steps” to resolve the authorities’ complaints.
The timing has fueled speculation that the Kremlin may still be seeking concessions from the platform while increasing pressure on it.
Baza also reported that Instagram and Facebook would be fully blocked in Russia starting April 1, meaning the apps would not function through either mobile networks or fixed-line internet connections.
On Feb. 9, Russian users began reporting disruptions in Telegram’s performance.
Roskomnadzor said the messenger was failing to comply with Russian law and that its operations would be gradually restricted. Telegram’s connectivity has indeed deteriorated in recent days. Pro-Kremlin propaganda channels have reported panic, as Russian troops on the front line rely heavily on Telegram for communication.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Russian authorities are attempting to “force their citizens to switch to a state-controlled app created for surveillance and political censorship.” He was referring to the so-called national messaging app MAX, which is fully controlled by Russia’s security services.
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