Russia has confirmed it has blocked messaging platform WhatsApp, directing citizens to migrate to the state-backed Max app instead.
The move comes just days after authorities began restricting access to Telegram, another widely used messaging service in the country. Telegram is popular among millions of Russians, including military personnel, senior officials, state media outlets, and government institutions such as the Kremlin and communications regulator Roskomnadzor.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday, February 12, that WhatsApp was blocked over alleged legal violations by its parent company, though he did not provide specific details.
“Max is an affordable alternative on the market for citizens, a developing national messenger,” Peskov said. “Regarding the blocking of WhatsApp, our authorities did indeed state that the decision was made and implemented due to the corporation’s unwillingness to comply with the law.”
WhatsApp is owned by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, both of which are already banned in Russia.
Earlier on Thursday, WhatsApp said the Russian government had “attempted to fully block” the platform, describing the action as an effort to steer users toward “a state-owned surveillance app.”
“Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” the company said in a statement, adding that it would continue working to keep users connected.
Some users reported accessing WhatsApp through virtual private networks (VPNs). However, Russian authorities have intensified efforts to restrict VPN usage, limiting access to hundreds of such services. A law enacted in September also prohibits advertising tools that enable users to bypass state-imposed internet restrictions.
This is not the first action taken against the platform. In August 2025, Roskomnadzor imposed restrictions on video and voice calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to counter criminal activity. At the time, WhatsApp accused Moscow of attempting to curtail access for Russian users.
The Max app, developed domestically, is now being pre-installed on new devices as part of a broader strategy to replace foreign digital platforms. Designed as an all-in-one “super-app” similar to China’s WeChat, Max integrates messaging, voice and video calls, payments, and access to government services. Users can also verify their identities for public service platforms through the app.
On Tuesday, Russian authorities also announced new restrictions on Telegram, alleging the platform had refused to remove content classified as “criminal and terrorist.” Telegram founder Pavel Durov responded that efforts to suppress the platform would not succeed, insisting that “Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”
The latest developments mark a significant escalation in Russia’s tightening control over digital communication platforms.
