Tech billionaire Pavel Durov’s recent arrest in France has sparked renewed discussions in Russia regarding the role of the Telegram messenger app in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This dialogue echoes a previous debate from July, when the State Duma enacted legislation imposing new penalties on soldiers utilizing “civilian” devices while deployed. Following backlash from pro-war bloggers and state media correspondents, who expressed concerns about the implications for reliable communication among Russian troops, the law was subsequently revised. Presently, these commentators are questioning whether the “keys to Telegram” might be surrendered to Western powers and whether Russian authorities could potentially block the app altogether.
Telegram on the Battlefield
Telegram has emerged as a pivotal communication tool within the military framework, purportedly linking various branches and levels of command into a cohesive network for management, intelligence sharing, and target engagement. However, this assertion may be somewhat overstated. Meduza delves into the actual usage of Telegram by the Russian military, the alternative communication platforms employed, and the absence of a dedicated military messaging system.
How is Telegram used on the battlefield?
Telegram is actively utilized by Russian soldiers, particularly at tactical levels and in support roles. Initially, during the early stages of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Telegram competed with WhatsApp for dominance as the military’s primary communication tool. Ultimately, Telegram prevailed, fueled by rumors regarding WhatsApp’s security vulnerabilities, particularly the belief that U.S. intelligence agencies could access all chats on platforms owned by Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company. Here are some key insights:
- Many divisions within the Russian Armed Forces maintain Telegram chats for logistical discussions, such as fundraising for munitions and equipment. In contrast, the Ukrainian Armed Forces often rely on other messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Viber for similar purposes.
- The prevalence of messenger apps diminishes among Russian assault units, primarily due to limited Internet access on the front lines. While certain elite formations have acquired Starlink antennas through volunteer efforts, many infantry assault groups find such technology financially prohibitive. Nonetheless, these units still utilize “civilian” devices for tasks like accessing pre-downloaded maps.
Researcher Ivan Philippov shares insights into navigating Telegram’s complex landscape, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one’s sanity while engaging with the platform.
Higher-Level Military Use
At higher levels of the military hierarchy, Telegram is occasionally employed to establish improvised “reconnaissance-strike networks,” allowing military intelligence to relay target coordinates directly to artillery and aviation units, bypassing traditional command structures. However, these networks predominantly rely on standard reconnaissance equipment, such as drones, rather than solely on Telegram. Over the past two and a half years, coordination within these networks has improved, enabling the military to effectively target mobile and camouflaged installations, a development attributed to lessons learned rather than the specific use of Telegram.
Both the Russian Armed Forces and the Ukrainian military utilize software that poses greater challenges for replacement, such as Discord, which facilitates live drone feeds to command centers, enabling real-time operational management.
Russian forces also depend on offline maps, which can be annotated with combat conditions before missions. Conversely, the Ukrainian Armed Forces benefit from more reliable access to Starlink terminals, allowing them to utilize advanced online maps equipped with data exchange capabilities.
Telegram serves a crucial role in external communications for combat units, but its utility is nuanced and often supplemented by other technologies and methods. As discussions continue in Russia about the app's future amidst geopolitical tensions, its role in military operations remains a focal point of interest and concern.
