KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine has banned use of the Telegram messaging app on official devices used by state officials, military personnel and critical workers because it believes its enemy Russia can spy on both messages and users, a top security body said on Friday.

Citing national security issues, Ukrainian officials on Friday said the country's government agencies, military and critical infrastructure will be restricted from using the Telegram social media app.

Ukraine has told government and army officials to stop using the messaging app Telegram, warning that Russia may have access to data and communication on the popular communication channel. Telegram has become a vital messenger service on both sides of the war,

Despite the ban, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is likely to continue using Telegram in his public communications since it is in his official capacity.

Ukraine has limited the use of Telegram for government, military, and security officials due to national security risks. The National Security and Defence Council stated that Russia might access personal data and messages on the app.

"I have always advocated freedom of speech, but the issue of Telegram is not a matter of freedom of speech, it is a matter of national security," Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov,