Russia Blocks WhatsApp and Throttles Telegram to Promote Max App

The Federal Government of Russia initiated a crackdown on foreign messaging services between February 10 and 12, 2026, to force citizens onto Max, a state-owned "national messenger." Using the communications regulator Roskomnadzor, authorities first began throttling Telegram, citing the platform's failure to protect personal data and its alleged role in facilitating terrorism and fraud. These phased restrictions caused widespread disruptions for approximately 93.6 million users, including lagging downloads and limited voice and video call functionality.

By February 12, Russia fully blocked WhatsApp by removing its domains from the National Domain Name System. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated the block resulted from Meta Platforms' absolute unwillingness to comply with Russian laws regarding local data storage and representative offices. To ensure adoption of Max, developed by VK, the government now requires the app to be pre-installed on all new smartphones and tablets sold within the country.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov and Meta condemned the moves as authoritarian efforts to drive users toward a surveillance tool built for political censorship. The restrictions sparked rare public backlash from Russian soldiers and officials, including Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who warned that the slowdowns hinder critical frontline communications and emergency safety alerts during Ukrainian drone attacks. While Peskov downplayed the military impact, critics and human rights organizations described the strategy as an attempt to create a sovereign internet decoupled from the global web.