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Zelenskyy Signals Ukraine’s Next Move In Info War—Target Russia’s State MAX Messenger
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine is actively working to influence the Russian information space through messaging platforms and is exploring ways to reach audiences on Russia’s newly launched state messenger, MAX, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on March 20.
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According to comments made by Zelenskyy during a conversation with journalists, Kyiv acknowledges both the risks and opportunities associated with digital platforms such as Telegram, which remains widely used despite increasing restrictions inside Russia.
Zelenskyy stated that Russian intelligence services continue to operate through Telegram within Ukraine, adding that Ukrainian authorities are actively countering such activity. “We know this, we detect it, we fight it,” he said.
At the same time, the president confirmed that Ukraine is also using Telegram to communicate with audiences inside Russia. However, he noted that recent restrictions imposed on the platform by Russian authorities are complicating these efforts. “With the restriction of Telegram in Russia, it will be more difficult to transmit signals to their society,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that Ukrainian officials are now assessing Russia’s new state-backed messaging platform. “I had a report on their new network MAX—we will also reach MAX,” Zelenskyy said.
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According to Zelenskyy, broader restrictions on social media platforms and mobile communications in Russia reflect an effort by authorities to tighten control over the domestic information environment. He described these measures as part of what he called “total control,” suggesting they are reshaping how information flows within the country.
MAX, a Russian government-supported messaging service launched in 2025, has been promoted as an alternative to foreign platforms. Its rollout coincided with increasing pressure on services such as WhatsApp and Telegram, which have faced limitations in Russia.
Earlier, reports indicated that users of Russia’s state-backed messaging app MAX were automatically subscribed to pro-war and propaganda channels without consent, with some unable to unsubscribe, according to Meduza on March 18.
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-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
