Russia blocks Telegram and WhatsApp – and not every VPN can help you regain access

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Censorship-resistant VPNs are a must

Smartphone displaying WhatsApp logo in front of Russian flag
(Image credit: NurPhoto / Getty Images)

Russia has implemented its first new cases of internet censorship in 2026 as access to WhatsApp has been blocked and Telegram restricted – two popular encrypted messaging services.

The move aims to turn Russians towards a state-controlled messaging app, but people are turning to the best VPNs to regain access to Telegram and WhatsApp.

A reluctance to comply with Russian law

Restrictions of Telegram began around February 10, 2026, with a WhatsApp block coming two days after.

According to reports, Roskomnadzor, Russia’s telecommunications regulator, said Telegram was being restricted for the "protection of Russian citizens," citing the app's failure to block "criminal and terrorist" content.

In a tweet, Telegram founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, said the move is designed to "force" Russian citizens "onto a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship."

The app in question is MAX. Russians can use the app to message, send payments, and access government services. But reports and experts say the app openly shares user data with Russian authorities and isn't end-to-end encrypted – unlike Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal, and the best encrypted messaging apps.

According to Meta, Russia attempted to "fully block" WhatsApp in a bid to drive its approximately 100 million Russian users to MAX. Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told the BBC that the ban on WhatsApp was due to Meta's "unwillingness to comply with the norms and the letter of Russian law."

Turning to a VPN

Using one of the best Russia VPNs appears to be the most effective way of accessing any blocked apps in the country. Connecting to a VPN server in a country where the apps aren't blocked should see you able to use them.

Due to Russia's sophisticated methods of internet censorship and deep-packet inspection (DPI), it is vital VPNs utilise effective obfuscating protocols.

NordWhisper, from NordVPN, Stealth, from Proton VPN, and Mimic, from Norton VPN, are all examples of obfuscating protocols, but many of the most private VPNs have their own.

Proton VPN Stealth protocol logo

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

How successful VPNs are in Russia has varied in the past, and it's recommended that you try multiple VPNs. VyprVPN and Amnezia VPN have historically performed well in Russia, with the latter being Russian-made.

Decentralized VPNs can also be effective at navigating censorship. NymVPN is an example of this and your traffic makes a series of "hops" via encrypted nodes. Its "noise-generating mixnet" claims it "can protect your traffic against all forms of network surveillance."

Almost all leading VPNs come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can try multiple VPNs risk-free to see which ones work for you.

While VPNs are technically legal in Russia, they are highly controlled and only government-approved VPNs are allowed. Pressure on the privacy tools has been increasing in Russia in recent months. In April 2025, Russia requested Google Play remove 212 VPNs from the Play Store and restrictive laws passed in July 2025 expanded the penalties for VPN use.

Russian flag with padlock smashing through glass

(Image credit: SEAN GLADWELL / Getty Images)

Russia has also been reported as having the long-term goal of setting up a "sovereign internet structure," removing its need to rely on the foreign internet. In December 2024, the internet was disconnected in the regions of Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia, in a rumored test of its sovereign internet. In this case, like Iran's January 2026 internet shutdown, VPNs were rendered useless.

If you're travelling to Russia you must make sure your VPN is downloaded, installed, and activated before entering the country.

Russia's history of social media bans

A new attack on WhatsApp in Russia was somewhat expected, having been hinted at throughout the second half of 2025. Telegram was previously restricted between 2018 and 2020 when it refused to share data with the Russian government.

Data from the Surfshark Internet Shutdown Tracker shows Russia is currently restricting six other social media apps. LinkedIn has been disrupted since 2016. Facebook, Instagram, and X (then Twitter) have been restricted since 2022. Discord and Signal saw restrictions come into effect in 2024.

Since 2015, Surfshark's data has recorded 11 cases of internet restrictions in Russia, with an average duration of 855.4 days. Seven of those disruptions have affected social media apps, lasting an average of 1,341.4 days.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

George Phillips
George Phillips
Staff Writer

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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