Story perspectives

Russia brands Telegram founder Pavel Durov extremist, faces life term

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russia’s Rosfinmonitoring listed Telegram founder Pavel Durov as an extremist and terrorist.
The Federal Security Service placed Durov on an international wanted list and charged him with facilitating terrorism.
Russian officials allege Ukrainian intelligence uses Telegram, including a dating chatbot that recruited youths, prompting 46 detentions since July 2025.
A conviction could carry a life sentence for Durov, who lives in Dubai where Telegram’s headquarters operate.

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Story summary

Russia’s Rosfinmonitoring listed Telegram founder Pavel Durov as an extremist and terrorist.
The Federal Security Service placed Durov on an international wanted list and charged him with facilitating terrorism.
Russian officials allege Ukrainian intelligence uses Telegram, including a dating chatbot that recruited youths, prompting 46 detentions since July 2025.
A conviction could carry a life sentence for Durov, who lives in Dubai where Telegram’s headquarters operate.