Ukraine has banned use of the Telegram messaging app on official devices used by government officials, military personnel and critical workers because it believes its enemy Russia can spy on both messages and users,

Ukraine has banned government officials, military personnel and other defense and critical infrastructure workers from installing the popular Telegram messaging app on state-issued devices.

Ukraine has banned the use of the Telegram messaging app on official devices for state officials, military personnel, and critical workers due to security concerns. The National Security and Defence Council made the decision after evidence showed Russian special services could spy on the platform.

In announcing the ban, Ukraine says it's uncovered evidence that Russian agents can access private user messages on Telegram, including deleted correspondence.

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,

The National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity held a meeting on September 19, 2024. It discussed the use of Telegram in Ukraine, states the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Lytvynenko.

"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,