Ukraine Bans Telegram for Government Officials and Military Amid Concerns Over Russian Espionage

Ukraine’s National Cybersecurity Coordination Center has decided to prohibit the installation and use of the Telegram messenger on the official devices of government officials, military personnel, security and defense sector workers, as well as operators of critical infrastructure enterprises, according to the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), presented data during discussions indicating that Russian special services have access to users' personal correspondence on Telegram, including deleted messages, as well as their personal data.

"I have always advocated and continue to advocate for freedom of speech, but the issue of Telegram is not about freedom of speech; it is about national security," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, representatives from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the General Staff of the Armed Forces noted that the messenger is actively used by Russia for cyberattacks, phishing, and malware distribution, as well as for tracking users' geolocation and adjusting missile strikes.

To minimize these threats, the decision to implement the restrictions was made. Exceptions will be made only for individuals for whom the use of this messenger is part of their official duties.

French authorities issued arrest warrants for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov and his co-founder brother Nikolai in March over Telegram's refusal to assist with a French police inquiry into child sexual abuse. Warrants for Pavel and Nikolai were issued over charges including “complicity in possessing, distributing, offering or making available pornographic images of minors, in an organized group.”