Telegram experiences service disruptions across Russia

Russian users of the Telegram messaging service have reported widespread disruptions, according to data from Downdetector.su, a platform that monitors service outages.

As of February 9, over 1,300 users across Russia reported issues with the app within a 24-hour period. The highest volume of complaints came from the Tyumen, Magadan, Novosibirsk, and Sakhalin regions, as well as the Republic of Mordovia, Caliber.Az informs. 

Users reported a range of problems, including difficulties with the mobile app, notification failures, and general service outages. Downdetector noted that the disruptions affected both mobile devices and desktop platforms.

In August 2025, Russia’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor began blocking calls via Telegram and WhatsApp, saying these were the main voice services used for fraud and extortion, as well as for recruiting Russians into acts of sabotage and terrorism.

In November, Roskomnadzor launched a gradual blocking of WhatsApp, explaining that the messenger continued to violate Russian law. The agency warned that the service would be fully blocked if it did not change its stance. WhatsApp’s owners later said they were “determined to fight” for Russian users.

By Sabina Mammadli