If you live in Russia and have been struggling to make calls on Telegram or WhatsApp lately, you are not alone. For the last two days, millions of users across the country have faced major disruptions while making calls through these two popular apps.
The issue began on August 11 and continues to affect users, with reports that calls are not connecting properly, voices are breaking during conversations, and in some cases, even text messages are being delayed.
However, this doesn’t seem to be just a temporary glitch or a random technical issue. According to government and telecom sources, the disruption appears to be a planned move a step toward blocking voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp altogether.
Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak stated that “the decision has been taken at the top level,” and only final consultations are pending before a full ban on VoIP (voice over internet protocol) calls through these apps is implemented.
Why Is Russia Blocking Telegram and WhatsApp Calls?
There are two main reasons behind this move: economic and security-related.
1. Telecom Companies Are Losing Revenue
Russia’s four largest telecom operators, MTS, MegaFon, Beeline, and Tele2, have reportedly been complaining for months that their voice call revenue is declining sharply. People are increasingly relying on free VoIP calls through Telegram and WhatsApp instead of traditional mobile networks.
A representative from one of these companies told Russian media that “almost every household now uses messengers for communication,” which means people are using less mobile credit for calls, directly affecting the telecom industry’s earnings.
In addition to revenue loss, cyber fraud has become another growing concern. Telecom operators claim that most scam calls and phishing attempts now occur through these internet-based apps, not through normal mobile networks. Since these calls are encrypted and often anonymous, tracing them becomes almost impossible.
2. National Security and Data Localization
The Russian government has long demanded that all digital services store user data inside the country under its “data localization” law. However, Telegram and WhatsApp both store data on international servers, which Russia cannot fully monitor or control.
Officials argue that these apps pose a national security risk, as they allow users to communicate freely without oversight. This is particularly concerning for a government that has tightened control over the internet in recent years, especially after the Ukraine conflict.
In contrast, the government recently backed a new local messenger app called “Max”, which follows all Russian data and privacy laws, making it easier for authorities to monitor communications.
“Max” Russia’s New National Messenger
Launched earlier this year by VK (VKontakte), one of Russia’s biggest tech companies, Max has already been declared the official national messenger.
Government departments, universities, banks, and even regional administrations have started migrating their internal communication to this app. From September 1, Max will come pre-installed in all new smartphones and tablets sold in Russia. Registration will only be possible with Russian or Belarusian SIM cards, ensuring that foreign users or anonymous registrations are blocked.
Authorities claim Max is not only secure but also fully integrated with government systems, allowing seamless communication within the country’s digital infrastructure.
Telegram vs. WhatsApp: Which Is Safer?
While both Telegram and WhatsApp use encryption technologies, Telegram’s “Secret Chats” offer end-to-end encryption that even Telegram itself cannot access. WhatsApp also provides end-to-end encryption, but it’s owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), a company that has been banned in Russia for “extremist activities.”
Many Russian users consider Telegram to be safer because no Western government or corporation controls it. Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, is a Russian-born entrepreneur who now lives abroad but has maintained a neutral, privacy-first approach to messaging.
Why Do Russians Prefer Telegram Over WhatsApp?
There are several reasons why Telegram dominates in Russia:
- Large Groups and Channels Telegram allows huge communities of up to 200,000 members or even public channels with millions of followers.
- Customization and Privacy Users can tweak almost every feature, from chat themes to notification settings.
- Less Intrusive Data Sharing. Many users believe Telegram collects less personal data compared to WhatsApp.
- Freedom of Expression Despite periodic bans, Telegram has been the go-to platform for independent journalists, activists, and even government critics.
How Do Telegram Calls Work and How Can They Be Blocked?
Telegram calls use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which sends voice data packets through the internet instead of traditional phone lines. These calls are encrypted, making them private and secure.
However, governments can block VoIP traffic by filtering internet data. Russia has previously done this in 2018, briefly banning Telegram altogether before lifting the restriction due to public backlash.
Blocking VoIP calls again wouldn’t be difficult. Authorities can order ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to restrict data packets associated with Telegram or WhatsApp calling servers, effectively turning off the voice call feature while allowing text chats to continue.
Can WhatsApp Work Through Telegram?
Not directly. While some third-party bots or bridge tools claim to connect WhatsApp and Telegram, these are not official or secure. Using them can put users at risk of data theft or account bans.
What Options Do Users Have?
If Russia fully blocks VoIP calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, users will have two main options:
- Switch to Local Apps. Use government-approved messengers like Max, which will soon be available by default on all new devices.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN can hide your internet activity, allowing you to bypass local restrictions and continue using VoIP features.
However, authorities are already tightening VPN restrictions, and using one might become risky or unreliable in the future.
What This Means for Russian Internet Users
The growing control over internet communication in Russia reflects a larger trend of digital isolation. By promoting “national” platforms like Max, the government aims to build a self-contained internet ecosystem, similar to China’s Great Firewall.
But for millions of ordinary Russians, especially those with relatives abroad, Telegram and WhatsApp are essential lifelines. Blocking their calling features will make international communication harder and could further push users toward restricted and monitored platforms.
For now, the disruptions continue, and while text messages are still working, the calling features on Telegram and WhatsApp remain unstable. Many believe this is only the beginning of a larger digital shift, one where the Russian government takes complete control of the nation’s online communication landscape.
Russia appears ready to silence foreign messengers in favor of its own “safe and sovereign” communication tools. While the official explanation revolves around revenue loss and cyber fraud, the deeper motive seems to be control over data, communication, and the digital freedom of citizens.
As users brace for a future without VoIP freedom, one thing is clear: Telegram and WhatsApp may still work for chatting, but their voices are being muted quite literally.
