Russia adds Telegram founder Pavel Durov to 'terrorist' list, issues international arrest warrant

Russia has placed Telegram founder Pavel Durov on its list of "terrorists and extremists," a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Kremlin and the popular messaging app. The designation came days after Russia announced an international arrest warrant for Durov, alleging he allowed Ukrainian intelligence services to exploit Telegram.

Durov, who has lived abroad for years and holds French and UAE passports, has frequently been at odds with Russian authorities as they tighten their grip on the internet. Telegram is a primary communication platform in Russia, and authorities have repeatedly attempted to block it or pressure Durov to hand over user data. They have also sought to push Russians toward state-controlled, unencrypted alternatives.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) initiated the international search for Durov, 41, though it remains uncertain if other countries will honor the request. His inclusion on the online registry of "terrorists and extremists," maintained by Russia's financial watchdog Rosfinmonitoring, effectively prohibits him from conducting transactions within Russia. The Russian government has a history of using "terrorism" or "extremism" charges against political opponents, particularly those living outside the country.

The FSB claims Telegram failed to remove a popular bot that Moscow alleges is used by Ukrainian special services to lure young Russians into "terrorist and sabotage activities." Durov has not yet publicly commented on these specific accusations. He has faced legal issues elsewhere, including a detention in France in 2024 on charges related to illegal content distribution on Telegram, from which he was later released on bail.