Is Russia really banning Telegram and WhatsApp?

Russia has begun blocking WhatsApp and Telegram calls. Texts, photos, and files still go through, but voice and video calls are now unreliable. They often drop mid‑sentence, refuse to connect, or sound so garbled that a normal conversation is impossible. In this video I explain what’s happening on the ground, how Russians are adapting, and what it means for families, businesses, and foreigners living here. From elderly relatives losing their only way to see grandchildren, to schools quietly moving parent groups into Russia’s new state‑backed app “Max,” these changes are reshaping daily life. If you’re planning to visit or live in Russia, messaging will still work, but calls require patience, VPNs, and sometimes entirely new apps. The bigger question is whether Max, now pre‑installed on all devices sold in Russia, will grow into a Chinese‑style “everything app” or just remain a clunky substitute people use because they have no choice. Watch to see what these changes really mean for everyday life in Russia.