Russian soldiers stationed in the Donetsk region are resisting orders to install the state-controlled messaging app MAX, according to reports from ATESH partisan agents. The directive, issued to the 27th and 144th motorized rifle divisions of Russia’s 2nd Combined Arms Army, requires all personnel to switch to MAX by 2024-02-18, banning other messaging platforms.
Resistance and Concerns
The mandate has sparked open dissatisfaction among soldiers and some officers. Many servicemen describe MAX as "spyware fully controlled by the security services" and are seeking ways to avoid its installation. Some soldiers plan to purchase a second phone for inspections, keeping only MAX installed on it, while officers may tolerate the continued use of Telegram by main personnel.
Communication Challenges
The situation has been exacerbated by recent disruptions to Starlink services, which ATESH claims have caused significant communication and command difficulties, personnel losses, and loss of positions, particularly in the Huliaipole direction. The Moscow Times, citing a senior NATO official, noted Ukrainian advances in Zaporizhzhia following the loss of Starlink access by Russian units.
Security and Legal Fears
ATESH reports that servicemen fear the state messenger could lead to criminal or disciplinary cases, as it would expose communications not compatible with frontline realities. Media reports indicate that some Starlink terminals used by Russian forces were smuggled and illegally registered in occupied Ukrainian territory, with hundreds disabled in summer 2024, though some remained until recent disruptions.
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