Russia has blocked access to the messaging app WhatsApp, escalating a crackdown on platforms that authorities say fail to comply with local laws. The move, confirmed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, comes as the Kremlin seeks to promote a domestically developed alternative and exert greater control over its citizens’ online communications. The action highlights a broader trend of increasing digital sovereignty in Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the decision to block WhatsApp was “due to Meta’s unwillingness to comply with Russian law.” He suggested that Russians switch to MAX, a state-owned messenger service, describing it as “an accessible alternative, a developing messenger, a national messenger” available to citizens. Critics have alleged that MAX could be used for surveillance, a claim authorities deny.
WhatsApp issued a statement saying the Russian government had attempted to “fully block” its service, impacting over 100 million users in the country, in an effort to drive adoption of the state-backed 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.
The blocking of WhatsApp follows similar restrictions placed on other messaging apps, including Telegram. According to reports, Russian authorities are likewise curbing access to Telegram, citing security concerns. Peskov, however, deflected questions about attempts to block Telegram, stating only to consult Roskomnadzor, the country’s internet regulatory body.
Telegram holds particular significance in Russia as a key communication channel for soldiers fighting in Ukraine, serving as a primary means of non-military communication between troops and their families. The development underscores the importance of secure messaging for those involved in the conflict and their loved ones.
Russia has been working to create a domestic alternative to the global internet for years, a push that has accelerated since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The latest moves reflect a wider effort to establish a “sovereign” communications infrastructure where foreign tech companies either adhere to local regulations or face exclusion. This action could influence future diplomatic talks and further isolate Russia from the global digital landscape.
