Russian State Duma rejects investigation into Telegram block effectiveness

On 23 June, Russia's State Duma rejected a proposal from the Communist Party (KPRF) to contact the internet regulator Roskomnadzor and the Digital Development Ministry (Mintsifra) for information on the "effectiveness and expediency" of the Telegram block. The proposal garnered only 73 votes out of the required 226. The debate was triggered by a statement from Tsargrad founder Konstantin Malofeyev criticizing the block as ineffective.

Russia's State Duma voted on 23 June 2026 against a proposal from the Communists (KPRF) calling for the internet regulator Roskomnadzor and the Digital Development Ministry (Mintsifra) to be approached for information on the Telegram block's "effectiveness and expediency". The procedural motion failed to secure the required majority.

Why the Communists submitted the proposal

KPRF deputy Sergei Obukhov explained that the initiative came "from Communist deputies in the working group on protection of Christian values" and was prompted by an appeal from Tsargrad founder Konstantin Malofeyev. Malofeyev published an article on 21 June questioning the rationale behind the block. "Do they [messengers and foreign platforms] violate requirements? Fine, show us! We still don't have complete information on when and where violations occur and where they don't. You slow things down, but you don't tell us where the bottleneck is," Obukhov said.

In his article, Malofeyev spoke sharply, stating that since the Telegram block, "sabotage and terrorism have not decreased" and security has not been guaranteed. He referenced 18 June, the day of a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, and remarked with irony: "How many drones turned back in horror after learning that Russians' message uploads are slow?"

Ruling party accused Communists of populism

Sergei Boyarsky, chairman of the State Duma's Committee on Information Policy from the United Russia party, rejected the proposal, accusing the Communists of populism. He stressed that sanctions against platforms stem from laws adopted by the deputies themselves. "I understand that elections are approaching and touching on any resonant topics generates a big audience reaction. But is that fair to the audience?" Boyarsky asked.

In the final vote, the KPRF proposal was supported by only 73 deputies, while the required minimum was 226 votes. The majority of deputies abstained.

Blocking remains on the agenda

The Telegram block has been a recurring contentious issue in Russia. Despite this failed attempt to obtain official clarification, the authorities' actions show they have no intention of easing pressure against messengers and foreign platforms. The debate reflects tensions between Russia's internet regulation and the practical needs of users, particularly in a situation where millions of Russians continue to use Telegram, often through VPNs.