Russian authorities have formally charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity, accusing his messaging platform of being used by Ukrainian operatives to coordinate attacks inside Russia. The announcement came from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and represents the latest development in a prolonged investigation targeting both Durov and his company.

Durov, a Russian-born billionaire now based in Dubai, has faced increasing pressure from Moscow amid the Russian government’s broader efforts to restrict the use of foreign technology platforms and exert greater control over internet access. The Telegram messaging app, widely popular for its encryption features, has been largely blocked in Russia, with users increasingly relying on virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the government’s censorship measures.

Following the announcement of the charges, Telegram’s official account posted an image of Durov making an obscene gesture, signalling defiance toward Russian authorities. This public response underscores the ongoing tensions between the tech entrepreneur and the Russian government, which has been pursuing stricter internet regulations and censorship over the past several years.

Russia’s claims allege that Telegram has been exploited by Ukrainian intelligence to facilitate attacks inside Russian territory. However, Telegram has not publicly addressed the specific accusations, and the platform continues to be a critical tool for secure communication across various regions.

The move against Durov and Telegram forms part of a wider crackdown on foreign digital services in Russia, aimed at limiting external influence and consolidating state control over digital communication channels. Despite these efforts, Telegram remains accessible to many users through encrypted methods, highlighting the challenges faced by Russian authorities in fully enforcing internet restrictions.