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Expert suggests Telegram may remain functional due to the messenger’s policy

Association of Bloggers and Agencies President Yulia Dolgova also highlighted the factor of using means to bypass blocking

MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. The likelihood of a complete Telegram shutdown in Russia remains uncertain, as the service actively takes measures to maintain functionality, Jami lup CEO and Association of Bloggers and Agencies President Yulia Dolgova told TASS.

"Regarding a complete shutdown of access to the messenger, it's difficult to say today: unlike WhatsApp, Telegram is actively taking measures to maintain the functionality of its service," Dolgova noted.

The expert also highlighted the factor of using means to bypass blocking: "We should not forget about the depth of penetration of VPN services among the Russian audience either."

Earlier, Media outlets have reported that the Telegram messenger may be fully blocked starting April 1. Roskomnadzor’s press service stated that the agency has nothing to add to previously published information regarding the possible blocking of Telegram. Roskomnadzor said that Telegram does not comply with Russian legislation, that personal data are not adequately protected, and that there are no effective measures to counter fraud and the use of the messenger for criminal and terrorist purposes. In this regard, the regulator will continue introducing consistent restrictions in order to secure compliance with Russian legislation and ensure the protection of citizens.

Iraq approves agreement with Lukoil to cede operations at West Qurna-2 to local company

In early January, Iraqi authorities announced the transfer, stating it was occurring "in accordance with the provisions of the service and development contract"

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Kiev negotiator died during ‘special assignment’ — defense ministry

Three intelligence officers, staffers of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate, were killed while performing special assignments, the statement noted

Russia’s frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov arrives in India to participate in Milan exercise

The port and sea phases of the exercise will focus on complex maritime operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, search and rescue operations, and joint security missions

Russia’s Petrosyan flawless in ladies’ short program at 2026 Italy Winter Games

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What we know about Ukrainian settlement talks beginning in Geneva

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Russia’s UAV platoon in Zaporozhye area makes 1,000 successful sorties

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Alexander Drozdenko has ordered assistance to the military in clearing the rubble

Russian Finance Ministry suggests simplifying branches’ opening for foreign banks

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Putin envisions what Russia might look like in 200 years

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Talks on Ukrainian settlement in Geneva pass three-hour mark

The Russian delegation is led by Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky

Kiev's negotiating team splits into two camps — The Economist

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State Duma passes bill giving FSB power to turn off telecom services

The reasons for the shutdown will be set by the government

Mexico to continue assisting Cuba but will not supply oil for now — president

Claudia Sheinbaum also emphasized that Mexico respects the Cuban people’s right to self-determination and opposes foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs

US Department of State says China conducts nuclear tests

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Japan-Russia trade turnover in January increased by 14.65%, reaching $692 million

Japan increased coal imports from Russia by 258.6%

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US Vice President noted that there are a lot of options

Ukrainian military attack Alyoshki district 750 times in one week

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Russia develops Bulavka FPV interceptor system against drones

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Four out of six Russian athletes granted Italian entry visas for 2026 Winter Paralympics

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Czech Republic suggests supplying oil to Slovakia over its branch of Druzhba pipeline

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FACTBOX: Telegram blocking speculation and mass channel crackdown

Roskomnadzor’s press service stated that the agency has nothing to add to previously published information regarding the possible blocking of Telegram

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Bank of Russia set dollar rate at 76.74 rubles for February 18

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Russia, Iran intend to expand cooperation in energy, transport, trade — Energy ministry

Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov and Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad met in Tehran ahead of the 19th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation

Polish president not coming to inaugural Gaza Board of Peace meeting — spokesperson

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US strike on drug-trafficking vessels leaves 11 people dead — Pentagon

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European Commission silent on problems with approving new sanctions package against Russia

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EU to save face by using frozen Russian assets to rebuild Gaza Strip — RSPP head

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Europe withdraws almost all gas it pumped in for heating season from storage facilities

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Ukraine's foreign mercenaries commit worst abuses against Kharkov residents

Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Kharkov Military-Civil Administration, added that the foreigners avoid open clashes with the Russian army

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Putin to chair supervisory board meeting on strategic initiatives for 15th anniversary

The meeting will review the agency’s 2025 results and outline goals for the upcoming period

France, Germany on collision course over EU military leadership — Russian expert

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Expert suggests Telegram may remain functional due to the messenger’s policy

Association of Bloggers and Agencies President Yulia Dolgova also highlighted the factor of using means to bypass blocking

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Tatneft to upgrade crude distillation unit at Taneco refinery

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Putin, Macron talk to each other 'on the go' after funeral service for Chirac

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Modi, Macron launch H125 chopper assembly line in India

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Europe harming itself by sabotaging its own interests — US Vice President

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Talks in Geneva address 'major issues, major compromises' — TASS source

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US keeps influence on Venezuela through control over its oil sales — Energy Secretary

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US gives guidance on combat operations to Ukraine — Russian Foreign Ministry

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Russian seaports capacity to grow by 21 mln tons in 2026 — transport minister

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Hungary, Slovakia seeking to receive Russian oil through Croatia — Szijjarto

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Warner Bros. resumes talks on possible merger with Paramount Skydance

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Finnish politician calls on the West to recognize Russia's red lines in Ukrainian conflict

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Japanese warships arrive in St. Petersburg on first visit

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Press review: Geneva talks on Ukraine begin and Epstein case could spark GOP fiasco

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 17th

Slovakia requested Croatia to let Russian oil flowing over Adria pipeline

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Russia’s Petrosyan places fifth after short program at Olympics

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Russia to demand legal codification of NATO’s non-expansion eastward — newspaper

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Large Flamingo missile production line destroyed in Ukraine, Zelensky admits

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