According to a Bloomberg report citing three sources familiar with the matter, the Russian Federal Communications Regulatory Agency (Roskomnadzor) has imposed speed limits and blocked some functions on the instant messaging platform Telegram since February 10, and these measures have already taken effect.
Russian State Duma deputy Andrei Svintsov stated that Telegram may face restrictions because the platform "has not fully complied" with Russian legal requirements. Roskomnadzor cited Telegram's slow progress in "blocking anonymous channels" as the reason, arguing that Russian authorities aim to completely eliminate online anonymity.
Currently, over 13,000 Russian users have complained about Telegram's abnormally slow performance, including significant delays in loading images and videos. Roskomnadzor has also filed eight administrative violations against Telegram, with fines totaling 64 million rubles.
Not a full lockdown, but possibly a complete lockdown
It's worth noting that Russian officials have stated there are currently no plans to completely block Telegram, provided the platform meets all legal requirements. The official statement noted, "If the violations are resolved, the restrictions will cease."
This is not the first time Roskomnadzor has targeted Telegram. In August 2025, the agency blocked voice and video calling functions on Telegram and WhatsApp, citing the widespread use of these services for fraud, extortion, and recruiting citizens for sabotage. In January 2026, Roskomnadzor further restricted video and large file uploads. This speed limit is the latest step in an upgraded series of measures.
Impact on the TON ecosystem
Telegram is Russia's most popular instant messaging platform, boasting approximately 100 million users. Simultaneously, Telegram is deeply integrated with the TON (The Open Network) blockchain ecosystem, with the TON wallet, Mini App, and payment functions all relying on Telegram as their entry point.
If the user experience of Telegram in Russia continues to deteriorate, DeFi protocols, mini-games, and payment scenarios within the TON ecosystem will inevitably be affected. As of press time, Toncoin (TON) is priced at approximately $1.33.
The Russian government is currently promoting MAX, a communications platform with official backing.
