Russian President Vladimir Putin is intensifying restrictions on digital communication platforms, significantly disrupting everyday life for ordinary Russians, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The latest intelligence update claims the Kremlin is tightening control over foreign messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to suppress dissent related to the ongoing Ukraine war.
Although Russia already exercised heavy oversight of its digital space before invading Ukraine in 2022, pressure on foreign platforms has sharply increased since January 2025. Russian courts labeled Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, an “extremist organization” back in 2022, citing national security concerns, particularly during election periods.
In 2024, Russia’s media watchdog Roskomnadzor imposed partial restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram, limiting voice and video calls. Authorities claimed the measures were necessary to combat fraud and criminal activity. However, UK intelligence suggests the real motive is political control.
With an estimated 96 million WhatsApp users and 89 million Telegram users in Russia, these restrictions have “significantly disrupted everyday communications for ordinary civilians,” the MoD said. Russian lawmakers have even hinted at a complete WhatsApp ban by the end of 2026.
The crackdown comes as Russia continues military strikes in Ukraine, despite recent trilateral talks with Ukraine and the United States being described as “constructive.”