Is Telegram still allowed in Russia?

Telegram’s Return to Favor in Russia

For years, Telegram was locked in a high-stakes standoff with the Russian government. Banned in 2018 over its refusal to hand over encryption keys to the FSB, the app became a symbol of digital resistance. But by 2020, something shifted. In a surprising reversal, authorities lifted the blockade, allowing Telegram to operate freely once more.

The change didn’t go unnoticed. Almost overnight, Telegram went from being a censored platform to a go-to communication tool—even among Russian officials. Government agencies, regional administrations, and state media began using channels and bots to broadcast updates, share policies, and reach millions. The irony wasn’t lost on observers: an app once deemed a national threat became a cornerstone of state communication.

Rumors quickly spread that Pavel Durov, Telegram’s reclusive founder, may have struck a quiet understanding with the FSB. While Durov has never confirmed such a deal—and continues to emphasize Telegram’s commitment to privacy—the timing raises questions. Did he compromise? Or did the Kremlin decide that engagement was more effective than isolation?

Whatever the truth, the outcome is clear. Today, Telegram thrives in Russia, hosting everything from private chats to massive public channels with political influence. Its growth has been fueled by a mix of user trust, encrypted messaging, and a surprising openness from the very institutions that once tried to silence it.

Telegram’s comeback story isn’t just about technology—it’s a reflection of how power and digital freedom sometimes find uneasy common ground.