Telegram's Durov says Russia triggered payment system problem by blocking VPNs

April 4, 2026 2:07 AM EDT

A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed Telegram logo in this illustration taken February 21, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

MOSCOW, April ‌4 (Reuters) - ​Telegram ​founder Pavel Durov said on Saturday ‌Russia's attempt to block Virtual ⁠Private Networks triggered a problem ‌with a domestic ‌payment system, adding that tens of millions of ​Russians were now resisting the digital controls.

The ⁠issue sowed chaos on Friday for some ​shoppers, forcing the Moscow metro to allow entry ​without payment through ‌its turnstiles, while a regional zoo ⁠had to ask visitors to use cash.

"Their blocking attempts ⁠just triggered a massive banking ​failure," Durov said on Telegram. "Welcome back to the Digital Resistance, my ‌Russian brothers and sisters. The entire ‌nation is now mobilised ⁠to bypass ‌these absurd ​restrictions."

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Clarence ‌Fernandez)



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