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Russian Official: Foreign Intelligence Agencies Intercepting Soldier Messages

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 4:16 AM

Russia's digital development minister claims overseas spy agencies are monitoring communications from Russian troops using the popular Telegram messaging platform. The announcement comes as Russian authorities continue restricting foreign-owned messaging apps and pushing citizens toward state-controlled alternatives.

MOSCOW – Russia’s digital development minister has accused international spy agencies of intercepting communications from Russian military personnel who use the Telegram messaging platform, according to a Wednesday report from Interfax news agency.

Minister Maksud Shadayev made the allegations as Russian authorities continue pressuring the widely-used messaging service, which has become popular among Russian troops deployed in Ukraine. Officials have placed restrictions on Telegram, claiming the company refuses to remove what they consider extremist material.

“There are numerous indications that foreign intelligence agencies have access to the messenger’s correspondence and are using this data against the Russian military,” Shadayev stated according to the news agency.

Russia’s communications oversight body, Roskomnadzor, has been deliberately slowing Telegram’s performance as part of a broader campaign against international messaging platforms that officials say violate Russian regulations.

Last week, the Kremlin announced it had completely banned WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta Platforms, for non-compliance with domestic laws. Russian officials are encouraging citizens to switch to MAX, a government-supported “national messenger” service.

However, critics argue that MAX functions as a surveillance system, though Russian government officials reject these accusations.

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