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Home > Finance > Foreign spies can see Telegram messages sent by Russian soldiers, Ifax cites minister

Foreign spies can see Telegram messages sent by Russian soldiers, Ifax cites minister

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on February 18, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: February 18, 2026

Foreign spies can see Telegram messages sent by Russian soldiers, Ifax cites minister - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review

Tags:security cybersecurity Digital development financial services

Quick Summary

Foreign intelligence can access Telegram messages of Russian soldiers in Ukraine, prompting potential restrictions by Russian authorities.

Foreign Intelligence Can Access Telegram Messages of Russian Soldiers

Foreign Access to Telegram Messages

MOSCOW, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Foreign intelligence services are able to see messages sent by Russian soldiers using the Telegram messaging app, Russia's minister for digital development Maksud Shadayev said on Wednesday, the Interfax news agency reported.

Telegram's Popularity Among Russian Forces

Telegram, one of the most popular messenger services in Russia, is widely used by Russian forces fighting in Ukraine, but is under pressure from the authorities who have imposed restrictions on it over what they say is its failure to delete extremist content.

Government Crackdown on Messaging Apps

"There are numerous indications that foreign intelligence agencies have access to the messenger's correspondence and are using this data against the Russian military," Shadayev was cited as saying.

Criticism of Surveillance Tools

Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, has said it is slowing down Telegram's service amid a wider crackdown on foreign-owned messengers who it says have failed to comply with Russian law.

The Kremlin confirmed last week that U.S. messenger app WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms META.O, has been completely blocked for failing to comply with local law, suggesting Russians turn to a state-backed "national messenger" - MAX - instead.

Critics say MAX is a surveillance tool. Russian authorities deny this.

(Reporting by Reuters, Writing by Felix LightEditing by Andrew Osborn)

Key Takeaways

•Foreign intelligence can access Telegram messages sent by Russian soldiers.
•Russia's digital minister Maksud Shadayev reported the security breach.
•Russian authorities may block Telegram due to extremist content concerns.
•The breach raises significant security implications for soldiers.
•Telegram's security measures are under scrutiny by the Russian government.

Frequently Asked Questions about Foreign spies can see Telegram messages sent by Russian soldiers, Ifax cites minister

1What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks are typically aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information.

2What is financial services?

Financial services encompass a broad range of services provided by the finance industry, including banking, investment, insurance, and asset management, aimed at managing money and providing financial solutions.

3What is a messaging app?

A messaging app is a software application that enables users to send and receive text messages, images, videos, and other media over the internet, often in real-time.

Foreign Access to Telegram Messages

Telegram's Popularity Among Russian Forces

Government Crackdown on Messaging Apps

"There are numerous indications that foreign intelligence agencies have access to the messenger's correspondence and are using this data against the Russian military," Shadayev was cited as saying.

Criticism of Surveillance Tools

Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, has said it is slowing down Telegram's service amid a wider crackdown on foreign-owned messengers who it says have failed to comply with Russian law.

Critics say MAX is a surveillance tool. Russian authorities deny this.

(Reporting by Reuters, Writing by Felix LightEditing by Andrew Osborn)

Key Takeaways

•Foreign intelligence can access Telegram messages sent by Russian soldiers.

•Russia's digital minister Maksud Shadayev reported the security breach.

•Russian authorities may block Telegram due to extremist content concerns.

•The breach raises significant security implications for soldiers.

•Telegram's security measures are under scrutiny by the Russian government.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks are typically aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information.

2What is financial services?

3What is a messaging app?

A messaging app is a software application that enables users to send and receive text messages, images, videos, and other media over the internet, often in real-time.