Executive Summary

The Kremlin is restricting Telegram access to consolidate control over Russia’s digital information space, using unsubstantiated claims of Ukrainian espionage as justification. These restrictions are disrupting Russian military communications, logistical coordination, and pro-war information networks that depend on the platform. Widespread domestic resistance, VPN circumvention, and Kremlin exemptions for frontline regions will likely prevent complete platform blockade in the near term.