Pavel Durov made a will due to threats related to Telegram
19 June 2025 10:05
Telegram founder Pavel Durov said that he recently made a will. In an interview with the French edition of Le Point, he explained his decision by the increased risks that accompany his activities related to the protection of digital freedoms, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“I wrote my will not long ago… I decided that my children will not have access to my property until they are thirty years old. I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves independently, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, to not depend on a bank account,” the businessman said.
According to Durov, he continues to refuse on principle to comply with the demands of states that contradict the principles of freedom of speech. In particular, he spoke about the recent request of the head of French intelligence to block opposition Telegram channels in Romania on the eve of the elections, which Durov ignored.
“My work involves risks – defending freedoms leads to many enemies, including in powerful countries. I want to protect my children, as well as the company I created, Telegram. I want Telegram to always remain true to the values I defend,” he explained in his will.
In the event of his death, Telegram will be transferred to a non-profit foundation to preserve its independence and protect the platform from external pressure.
Personal life and a hundred descendants
The entrepreneur also disclosed details of his personal life: he is the father of six children from three women, including a newborn son in Dubai, whose birth he missed due to the ban on leaving France.
In addition, more than 100 other children were conceived with his donor sperm in 12 countries.
“I don’t make a distinction between my children: there are those who were conceived naturally and those who were born with my donor sperm. They are all my children, and they will all have the same rights! I don’t want them to tear each other apart after my death,” Durov said.
Discipline, coldness, and giving up addictions
Despite being 40, Pavel Durov looks young and energetic. He attributes this to his strict lifestyle:
- he does 300 push-ups and 300 sit-ups every morning without a break,
- does not drink alcohol, coffee, tea, does not smoke, and avoids sugar,
- practices swimming in ice water – in Lake Geneva or in Finland in winter.
“In short, I avoid everything that can make you addicted,” he summarized.
What will happen to Telegram
In the event of his absence, Pavel Durov predicted that Telegram will be managed by a non-profit foundation.
In this way, he aims to ensure the platform’s continuous operation while maintaining its independence, as well as adherence to the principles of confidentiality and freedom of speech.
