The Kremlin’s current policies have been compared to the repressions of the Stalin era
14 April 22:35
The decision to restrict the operation of the Telegram messaging app in Russia is linked exclusively to domestic political processes and the authorities’ fears of potential social protests. This was stated by military analyst and co-chair of the civil society initiative “Prava Sprava” Dmitry Snegirev in an interview with the YouTube channel "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the expert, the Russian authorities are attempting to limit citizens’ ability to coordinate through independent platforms.
“They are trying to prevent social unrest and the coordination of protests via WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messaging apps that are not controlled by the security services,” Snegirev explained.
The analyst dismissed explanations circulating in Russia regarding the blocking of the messaging app, particularly accusations that Telegram is being used by Ukrainian intelligence agencies or scammers.
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According to Snegirev, the restrictions on Telegram have primarily had a negative impact on Russian agencies themselves. This includes, in particular, the ability to conduct information and psychological operations, recruit agents, and monitor network activity.
“This includes conducting information and psychological operations, recruiting agents, and monitoring them—all of this has become more difficult,” the analyst explained.
Fear of protests and increased control
Snegirev believes that the main motive behind such decisions is the Russian leadership’s fear of internal instability. According to him, blocking digital platforms is part of a broader policy of restricting the information space.
“Shutting down YouTube, banning Telegram—all of this indicates the country’s descent into practices characteristic of the 1930s,” he emphasized.
The analyst also drew attention to the increasing penalties for activity on social media. In his view, such actions are indicative of a systematic intensification of repressive policies in Russia
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