Ukraine on Friday imposed restrictions on the use of Telegram by government, military, and security officials, citing significant concerns over national security risks associated with the popular messaging app, which was created by Russian-born Pavel Durov.
Ukrainian authorities warned that the Russian government could potentially gain access to sensitive personal data and communications transmitted via Telegram, a platform widely used by both Ukrainians and Russians.
In an official statement posted on Facebook, Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) declared that Telegram would be restricted in government agencies, military units, and critical infrastructure facilities, marking the decision as essential for protecting national security.
The council’s statement emphasized the importance of securing communications, particularly within institutions vital to the country’s defense and security.
“The National Security and Defence Council has decided to limit the use of Telegram in state agencies, military formations, and facilities crucial to national infrastructure,” the council said, adding that these measures were taken to counter potential threats posed by the app.
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Despite the ban, the NSDC clarified that certain officials, such as those whose job requires using Telegram, would be exempt from the restrictions. This decision was made in recognition of Telegram’s role as a critical communication tool for Ukraine’s military and public authorities. The platform is widely used by both soldiers and civilians for real-time updates and information sharing.
However, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, raised serious concerns over the security vulnerabilities of Telegram, claiming that Russian intelligence services could intercept messages sent through the app, even those that have been deleted, as well as access users’ personal data.
Budanov stressed that the decision to limit Telegram was not about restricting freedom of speech, but rather a necessary action to protect the country’s national security.
“This is not a question of freedom of speech but a question of national security,” Budanov asserted, indicating that the stakes were too high to ignore potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by Moscow.
He further warned that Telegram could be used by Russian forces for a variety of cyberattacks, including phishing schemes, malware dissemination, tracking user locations, and even coordinating missile strikes.
A senior Ukrainian security official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, explained that the restrictions applied specifically to official government communications. The official expressed concerns that Telegram had become a significant source of information leaks due to its susceptibility to hacking by Russian intelligence services.
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“Telegram is very easily hacked by the Russian side, and that makes it a major source of information leaks,” the official noted. However, the official emphasized that ordinary Ukrainian citizens would not be affected by the restriction, and they could continue to use Telegram for personal communication if they wished.
In a related development, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has faced legal trouble in France. Last month, Durov was arrested and charged with allowing illegal content to be published on the platform. As a result, he has been banned from leaving France.
Durov’s arrest has raised further questions about the platform’s role in facilitating the spread of controversial or harmful content, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate over Telegram’s use in sensitive communications.
For Ukraine, the restriction on Telegram marks a proactive step in securing its digital communication channels at a time of heightened tension with Russia. The ongoing war has made cybersecurity a top priority for Kyiv, with authorities working to safeguard both physical and virtual infrastructures from Russian attacks.
While Telegram remains a widely used tool for communication, its vulnerabilities have made it a potential risk for those handling sensitive information. As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of modern warfare, the decision to limit its use among government and military officials reflects the evolving nature of security in the digital age.