Russia Warns Foreign Intelligence Accessing Soldiers' Telegram Messages

• Russia's Minister for Digital Development Maksud Shadayev stated foreign intelligence services can access Russian soldiers' Telegram messages.
• Telegram is widely used by Russian forces in Ukraine, despite facing pressure from Russian authorities over 'extremist content'.
• Shadayev cited 'numerous indications' that foreign intelligence uses this data against the Russian military.
• Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, is slowing Telegram's service as part of a crackdown on foreign-owned messaging apps.
• US messaging app WhatsApp was fully blocked last week for non-compliance, with authorities suggesting the state-backed 'national messenger' MAX instead.