Kremlin calls for Telegram, WhatsApp to stay in Russia To spur national messenger MAX

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said that popular messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp should continue operating in Russia to provide competition for the national messenger, MAX.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF-2025), Peskov emphasised that competition is crucial for the development of MAX, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“They must remain in Russia. MAX needs competition. Without competition, MAX will not be able to develop, I am convinced of that,” he said.

Peskov added that for MAX to succeed, it must become a service that tens of millions of Russians choose to install, a goal that will require significant effort and time.

By Aghakazim Guliyev