The Kremlin spent years building a messenger to replace Telegram. Now it’s telling soldiers the substitute is too insecure to use at the front.
23 February 2026
Russian troops fighting in Ukraine have been advised to stop using Max — the Kremlin-backed “national messenger” app designed to replace Telegram — because it’s not secure enough.
Pro-war commentators say Telegram remains soldiers’ most reliable means of frontline communication.
Pro-war commentators say Telegram remains soldiers’ most reliable means of frontline communication.