Russia has confirmed it has fully blocked WhatsApp, marking one of the most significant steps yet in its ongoing efforts to tighten control over online communication platforms.
The move, announced by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, comes after months of restrictions on foreign-owned messaging services and reflects what authorities describe as violations of Russian law by WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta Platforms.
“Due to Meta’s unwillingness to comply with Russian law, such a decision was indeed made,” Peskov said, encouraging citizens to switch to Russia’s state-backed messaging platform MAX.
WhatsApp Calls Move A “Backwards Step”
WhatsApp strongly criticized the move, saying the Russian government had attempted to “fully block” the app in an effort to drive users toward a state-backed alternative.
“Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” WhatsApp said in a social media post on Thursday.
Meta has been designated an “extremist” organization in Russia since 2022, and Facebook and Instagram are already banned in the country.
How The Block Was Implemented
According to Russian media, Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, recently removed whatsapp.com and web.whatsapp.com from the country’s National Domain Name System (NDNS).
This technical move effectively prevented devices within Russia from retrieving WhatsApp’s IP addresses through domestic internet routing systems. As a result, for many users, the app became accessible only through virtual private networks (VPNs) or external DNS resolvers.
However, authorities have also been tightening restrictions on VPN services. Russian authorities have reportedly blocked hundreds of VPN services and banned advertising for tools that help bypass internet restrictions.
Months Of Growing Restrictions
The block is the culmination of a steady crackdown that began in August 2025, when Roskomnadzor began throttling voice and video calls on WhatsApp and Telegram.
In October, authorities attempted to limit new user registrations and partially restricted both platforms in certain regions, citing concerns about fraud, terrorism, and other criminal activity.
Russian officials have repeatedly argued that messaging platforms are being used to organize for fraud, extremist activity, and terrorist recruitment. They have insisted that companies must store Russian users’ data locally and comply with law enforcement requests.
Peskov said WhatsApp could resume operations if Meta complies with Russian legislation and engages in dialogue with authorities.
Telegram Also Under Fire
WhatsApp is not the only messaging service facing pressure. Earlier this week, users reported disruptions to Telegram, the popular app founded by Pavel Durov.
Roskomnadzor accused Telegram of failing to remove content deemed illegal and said further restrictions could follow. Durov responded by saying Telegram stands for privacy and freedom of speech, regardless of government pressure.
Some analysts suggest that limiting WhatsApp may allow authorities to focus technical resources on further restricting Telegram.
The Rise Of MAX, Russia’s “National Messenger”
As foreign platforms face mounting pressure, Russian officials are promoting MAX, a state-backed messaging platform developed by VK.
Peskov described MAX as “an accessible alternative” and a developing national messenger available to citizens. Since September 2025, the app has reportedly been pre-installed on electronic devices sold in Russia, as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign technology platforms.
Officials say MAX protects citizens from foreign surveillance and strengthens national digital sovereignty. Critics, however, argue that it could be used for state monitoring and lacks strong end-to-end encryption.
A Broader Push For A “Sovereign Internet”
The WhatsApp ban is part of a broader strategy to create a “sovereign” internet infrastructure in Russia — one where foreign technology companies must comply with local laws or face restrictions.
Over the past two years, Russia has blocked or limited access to major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Signal, and Viber. The government has also imposed fines on companies that fail to delete banned content or establish local offices.
While some Russians can still access restricted apps using VPNs, the government continues tightening its grip on digital communications, thereby reducing space for foreign-owned platforms in Russia.
