Russia has confirmed blocking the instant messaging application WhatsApp within its borders and is urging its citizens to switch to a government-backed application named Max. This action follows reports from recent days indicating that Russian authorities are also restricting access to another messaging app, Telegram, which boasts millions of users in Russia, including military personnel, senior public officials, state media agencies, and government bodies such as the Kremlin and the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated to journalists on Thursday that the blocking of WhatsApp was due to what he described as violations of the law by its parent company, though he did not provide specific details. Peskov said, "Max is an alternative product available on the market for citizens, a domestic instant messaging tool that is developing. Regarding the blocking of WhatsApp, our relevant departments have clearly stated that this decision was made and implemented because the related company refused to comply with the law."
WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms, Inc., the company that also owns Facebook and Instagram. Earlier on Thursday, WhatsApp issued a statement claiming the Russian government "is attempting a full blockade of WhatsApp" and stated this move was intended to "force people to use a state-controlled surveillance application." The statement added, "Attempting to block over 100 million users from a private and secure communication service is a regressive act that will only make Russian citizens less safe. We will continue to do everything we can to maintain our users' communication connections."
Some Russian users reported on Thursday that they could still access WhatsApp using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). However, the Kremlin has intensified a nationwide crackdown on VPNs, including blocking 439 VPN services, to prevent citizens from circumventing state controls. In September of this year, a law prohibiting advertisements for VPNs and other tools used to bypass social media blocks came into effect.
This is not the first time Russia has targeted this application. In August 2025, the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media, the agency responsible for regulating mass media, announced restrictions on the video and voice call functions of WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to "combat criminals." In response, WhatsApp accused Russia of attempting to block its users in the country from using the app. Russia has previously banned Facebook, Instagram, and the X platform.
Max is a Russian domestic instant messaging application. As part of a broader effort to replace foreign platforms, the Russian government is pre-installing it on all new devices. Max is designed as an all-in-one super-app, integrating messaging, calls, payments, and other services. Users can authenticate themselves on government platforms providing public services through the app. Critics have raised concerns about Max's security and privacy, warning that the app possesses excessive tracking capabilities and lacks strong encryption protection.
On Tuesday, the Russian government stated it would restrict access to Telegram to "protect Russian citizens," accusing the app of refusing to block content that authorities have identified as "criminal and terrorist."