Russia issues international arrest warrant for Telegram founder Pavel Durov

On July 29, 2026, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the issuance of an international arrest warrant for Telegram founder Pavel Durov. The Russian authorities have accused Durov, who holds French and Emirati citizenship in addition to his Russian origin, of complicity in terrorism. According to the FSB, this warrant is linked to a criminal investigation regarding the training of young Russian nationals by Ukrainian special services for sabotage activities. Following the announcement, an image of Durov gesturing with his middle finger was posted on the official Telegram account on the X platform, though no formal statement has been issued by Durov or the company.

This development follows Durov's high-profile arrest in France in August 2024, where he has been under investigation for several offenses related to organized crime. Since obtaining French citizenship in 2021, Durov has faced mounting legal pressure in Europe. The current Russian legal action marks a significant escalation in the tensions surrounding the platform's moderation policies and its founder's complex legal standing across multiple jurisdictions.