Telegram rejects Russian claims that spies can read soldiers' messages

Telegram rejects Russian claims that spies can read soldiers' messages
Smartphone next to a screen showing the crossed logo of Telegram messaging app against the backdrop of the Russian state flag, in this illustration taken, 12 February, 2026
Reuters

The Telegram messaging app has dismissed allegations by the Russian government that its encryption has been breached by foreign intelligence services saying that it's not found any breaches of its encryption.

In response to a Reuters request for comment, the company said, "No breaches of Telegram's encryption have ever been found."

It added, "The Russian government's allegation that our encryption has been compromised is a deliberate fabrication intended to justify outlawing Telegram and forcing citizens on to a state-controlled messaging platform engineered for mass surveillance and censorship."

The comment comes after Digital Development Minister Maksud Shadayev said on Wednesday that foreign intelligence services were able to see Telegram messages sent by Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.

Russia's state communications regulator has introduced restrictions on Telegram over what it says is a failure by the company to delete extremist content.

The application is an important platform for public and private communications in the country.

Russian soldiers, war correspondents and politicians have said the app is widely used by troops - not only to communicate with their families back home, but also sometimes for operational purposes.

Russia has also blocked or restricted other foreign messaging platforms such as Meta's WhatsApp and Apple's FaceTime.

Authorities have urged people to switch to a new state-backed app called MAX, rejecting allegations that it is designed as a surveillance tool.

Telegram argued the claim is intended to justify outlawing the app.

Tags