A Russia WhatsApp block left WhatsApp unreachable for many users on Wednesday, according to Russian media reports.
As a result, people needed a WhatsApp VPN Russia workaround to open the service. At the same time, WhatsApp owner Meta said Russia was trying to push users toward Max app Russia, a state backed alternative.
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In an X post, Meta said cutting access would affect over 100 million users. “Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backward step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” the company said.
Meanwhile, the reports linked the Russia blocks WhatsApp move to a broader effort to replace foreign messaging tools.
Therefore, the Russia WhatsApp block became part of a wider debate about access, data rules, and state backed platforms.
WhatsApp Blocked in Russia as Reports Cite Domain Restrictions
WhatsApp blocked in Russia reports centered on access to WhatsApp’s domain. Gazeta.ru reported that WhatsApp’s domain was completely blocked and was inaccessible without a VPN or similar workaround.
As a result, the WhatsApp VPN Russia option became necessary for users who still wanted to open the service.
In addition, Gazeta.ru cited Russia’s state owned agency TASS on comments from Dmitry Peskov.
Peskov said that unblocking WhatsApp would require WhatsApp to follow Russian laws and show willingness to negotiate, according to the report. Therefore, the Dmitry Peskov WhatsApp remarks tied access to compliance.
Russian officials previously targeted WhatsApp features as well. Last year, Moscow began limiting some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram.
Officials accused the platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement and of not storing Russian user data inside the country. As a result, the Russia WhatsApp block reports fit into earlier restrictions.
Max App Russia Push Grows as VK Max App Gets Preinstall Rule
The report said Max app Russia launched in March 2025 and came from Russian tech firm VK.
The service positioned itself as a domestic alternative to foreign owned platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram. As a result, the VK Max app gained official support.
Russia then moved to expand Max distribution. The government made it mandatory for all smartphones sold in Russia starting Sept. 1 to be pre installed with Max, according to the report. Therefore, the Max app Russia plan included hardware level placement.
User numbers also show why WhatsApp matters in Russia. SEO firm Backlinko estimated Russia has the fourth largest monthly active WhatsApp user base. Backlinko put that figure at 72 million users, behind Indonesia, Brazil, and India.
As a result, the WhatsApp user base Russia remained large even as the Russia blocks WhatsApp reports spread.
Russia Telecom Regulator WhatsApp Plans Point to 2026 Deadline
In January, Andrey Svintsov, a deputy in the State Duma, told TASS that Russia’s telecom regulator would adopt measures to completely block WhatsApp by the end of 2026.
Therefore, the Andrey Svintsov WhatsApp comments set a timeline tied to the Russia telecom regulator WhatsApp role.
That earlier statement now overlaps with the latest reports of disruption. In addition, the TASS WhatsApp references show repeated links between official messaging and access conditions.
As a result, the Russia WhatsApp block issue includes both reported technical restrictions and public comments about legal compliance.
Other Countries Restrict Messaging as Bitchat Downloads Rise, Reports Say
The report also noted other cases where authorities restricted messaging during conflict or unrest. In December, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine urged supporters to download Bitchat, a decentralized peer to peer messaging service linked to Jack Dorsey.
He also accused the government of planning to cut communications ahead of the election, according to the report.
In addition, the report said Madagascar saw a spike in Bitchat downloads in September amid protests and communication disruptions.
It also cited similar download increases during unrest in Nepal and Indonesia earlier that month.
As a result, communication restrictions and alternate tools appeared in multiple regions, while the WhatsApp blocked in Russia reports focused on domain access and VPN workarounds.
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Tatevik Avetisyan is an editor at Kriptoworld who covers emerging crypto trends, blockchain innovation, and altcoin developments. She is passionate about breaking down complex stories for a global audience and making digital finance more accessible.
📅 Published: February 12, 2026 • 🕓 Last updated: February 12, 2026
