Russia Issues International Warrant for Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Over Terrorism Allegations

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has placed Telegram founder Pavel Durov on an international wanted list, accusing him of aiding terrorism. The FSB alleges that the platform's administration refused to delete channels used by Ukrainian intelligence services to prepare sabotage, cyberfraud, and mass murder. Specifically, authorities point to a chatbot known as "Daivinchik/Leo" or "Leo Match," which they claim was used to recruit Russian youth—some as young as 12—by posing as women and subsequently using blackmail to force them into attacking energy infrastructure, transport, and security forces.

There are discrepancies regarding the scale of these operations; while the FSB reports that 46 people have been detained since July 2025, Russia's Investigative Committee reported 19 detentions. This legal action follows a period of increasing restrictions on the app, which has been effectively blocked in Russia since the summer of 2025 and became largely unusable without a VPN by early 2026. Durov is also currently facing a criminal case in France involving allegations of money laundering and complicity in distributing child pornography and hacking software.

Amid these developments, Russian lawmaker Andrei Svintsov advised citizens against purchasing Telegram Premium subscriptions to avoid funding Durov's company. However, it was later revealed that Svintsov, along with other high-ranking officials including the head of Roskomnadzor and the CEO of VK, holds a Premium subscription. Svintsov defended himself by stating he did not set up the account personally and suggested it may have been a gift from an aide.

Outlets of different political leans frame these events differently. Center-left sources emphasize the hypocrisy of Russian officials who warn against the app while using its paid features, as well as contradictions in government data. Meanwhile, center-right coverage frames the arrest warrant as part of a broader strategic effort by the Kremlin to intensify control over the digital ecosystem and replace foreign applications with national alternatives like MAX.