Russian official says Telegram operations could be restored in country

MOSCOW

There is a strong likelihood that Telegram’s operations will be restored in Russia, said a member of the country’s Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights (HRC).

In an interview with the TASS news agency, Alexander Ionov said that the platform’s return to normal functioning depends on its compliance with Russian legislation.

"As far as I know, there is a high probability that the Telegram team will reach an agreement with the Russian Federation and fulfill the required conditions, especially regarding extremism and channels that pose a threat to the national security of our country," he said.

Ionov added that Russia’s demands on Telegram represent an “absolutely reasonable agenda” and are currently being discussed within the company.

In August 2025, Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor restricted calls on the platform, citing its alleged use in fraud, extortion, and cybercrime.

The regulator also said it slowed Telegram’s services due to what it described as the platform’s "systematic and persistent violation of the requirements of federal law."