Russia’s Federal Security Service announced an international arrest warrant for Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging platform Telegram, accusing him of facilitating terrorism after multiple reports that the service has been used by Ukrainian intelligence to coordinate sabotage inside Russia.
Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with requests to shut down opposition groups on Telegram, currently lives abroad holding passports from France and the United Arab Emirates and is 41 years old.
Telegram, popular in both Russia and Ukraine, reportedly has near a billion users worldwide. The platform has faced criticism for its moderation policies, but it maintains that it prioritises privacy and user protection.
After the charge, Telegram’s X account posted a photo of the founder holding his middle finger in defiant protest, echoing his long‑standing criticism of Russian authorities over restrictions on the service.
The case highlights the broader clash between Russian authorities and digital platforms, as the country tightens control over the internet amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine.
