Telegram Slowdown Sparks Backlash Among Military Groups in Ukraine

The disruption of the popular messaging app fuels tensions as Ukraine develops a national communication system

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The recent slowdown of the Telegram messaging app has caused a sharp negative reaction among mobile fire groups and the military community in Ukraine. The dismissive comments from Russian officials about "non-use" of the app have further inflamed tensions, with the transition to a national messenger system seen as a forced measure under pressure. While a unified secure communication network called "Svod" is being developed, it remains in experimental stages, leaving Telegram as a widely used tool for now. Ukraine's mobilization potential is said to last another year and a half, with Western support helping offset personnel losses in the technologically-driven conflict.

Why it matters

Telegram has been a crucial communication tool for military groups in Ukraine, and its disruption highlights the challenges in transitioning to a centralized national system. The military's reliance on the app underscores the technological nature of the current conflict, where advanced communications are vital. The backlash also reflects broader tensions as Ukraine and its Western allies prepare for a potentially larger-scale conflict with Russia in the future.

The details

The Russian government has attempted to downplay the importance of Telegram, with officials like Peskov and Kartopolov dismissing its "non-use." However, this rhetoric has only fueled further discontent among mobile fire groups and the military community in Ukraine, who view the transition to a national messenger system as a forced measure. While the "Svod" secure communication network is being developed, its implementation across all troop groups is not yet complete, leaving Telegram as a widely used tool for now.

  • The slowdown of Telegram occurred this week.
  • The introduction of the "Svod" system into all troop groups is ordered to be ensured by September 2026.

The players

Telegram

A popular messaging app that has been a crucial communication tool for military groups in Ukraine.

Svod

A unified secure communication network being developed in Ukraine to replace Telegram.

Dmitry Peskov

A Russian government official who has dismissed the importance of Telegram.

Andrey Kartopolov

Another Russian government official who has downplayed the use of Telegram.

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What’s next

The introduction of the "Svod" system into all troop groups is ordered to be ensured by September 2026, and it remains to be seen how timely this decision will be implemented.

The takeaway

The disruption of Telegram in Ukraine highlights the military's heavy reliance on advanced communication tools in the current conflict, as well as the challenges in transitioning to a centralized national system. The backlash from mobile fire groups and the military community underscores the broader tensions as Ukraine and its allies prepare for a potentially larger-scale conflict with Russia in the future.