Russia has issued an international arrest warrant for Telegram founder Pavel Durov, accusing him of facilitating terrorism through inadequate moderation on the messaging platform. The Federal Security Service alleges that Ukrainian special services and extremist groups use Telegram channels to coordinate sabotage, terror attacks, and cyber fraud in Russia.
Durov, who holds French and Emirati citizenship, disclosed in February 2026 that criminal proceedings had been opened against him. Russia has been restricting Telegram's operations since summer 2025, though Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said July 27 that talks were underway to restore the service.
The Russian charges add to existing legal pressure in France, where Durov was indicted following his August 2024 arrest for organized crime offenses related to platform content and remains under strict judicial supervision barring him from leaving the country.