Russia says it uses Telegram to convey its messages to “average Ukrainian”
Pravda Ukraine
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has said that the Kremlin’s propaganda is “delivering its messages to an average Ukrainian” through Telegram.
Source: Medvedev at a meeting with participants of the war in Ukraine who are also running for seats in councils at various levels from the United Russia party, as quoted by Russian media
Details: Medvedev said that the existence of criminal activity on Telegram did not mean that it was welcomed by the messenger’s founder Pavel Durov.
He stated that Telegram is used by a large number of Russians, including those in the Special Military Operation zone (the official term used by Russian propaganda to replace the word “war” – ed.)
The politician also noted Telegram was a platform that allowed the Russian government to bring certain messages to the attention of “an average Ukrainian”.
Quote: “Telegram is used as a messenger by a huge number of our [Russian] people, including those who are on the line of contact. And our enemy has repeatedly said that they cannot control it. The materials we publish there (on Telegram) reach the minds of average Ukrainians. And they also begin to think that everything is somewhat different from what they see on TV. So this is obviously a political matter. And it needs to be sorted out.”
Details: Medvedev also advised that the French authorities detain Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, just like they did with Durov.
Background:
- Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), said that the messaging app Telegram poses a threat to Ukraine’s national security. However, he said, Telegram does help to provide people in the temporarily occupied territories with information.
- During a press conference on 27 August, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, answering a question about possible restrictions on Telegram in Ukraine, said that, in his opinion, the issue of regulating social media should be handled cautiously.
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