Telegram CEO Mulls Restricting Messenger's Work Amid Conflict in Ukraine, Decides Against It

Telegram's founder made this statement as Russia continues its "special military" operation in Ukraine, launched after the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics asked Moscow for assistance against attacks by Ukrainian troops.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has announced that the messaging platform may consider partially or fully restricting news channels using its service in Russia and Ukraine if the conflict in the latter country escalates further.

"If the situation escalates we will consider partially or fully restricting the work of Telegram channels in involved countries during conflict," he said.

He also urged users from Russia and Ukraine to be wary of all information currently being disseminated on Telegram.

Shortly afterwards, however, Durov stated that numerous users urged him not to restrict Telegram's service as the messenger has essentially become the only source of information for them amid the war.

"Due to these requests, we decided not to consider such measures," he said, urging people to still double-check all information being published in Telegram channels at this time.

This week, Moscow launched a "military operation" in Ukraine after the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics' authorities asked for assistance to defend themselves from attacks by Ukrainian troops that sparked a mass evacuation of women and children from the republics to Russia.

The Russian government stated that the goal of this operation is to neutralise Ukraine's military capacity, with precision strikes being carried out against the Ukrainian military infrastructure.