"If we don't give out users, we'll be shut down." A conversation about Telegram and FSB

Telegram founder Pavel Durov commented on an investigation by Important Stories that revealed that the same companies supplying the secret FSB infrastructure also provide the network backbone for Telegram. The investigation centers on Vladimir Vedeneyev, former financial director of the messenger, who signed documents on behalf of Durov while remaining largely unseen. After the investigation was released, Vedeneyev wrote to media and gave interviews accusing Important Stories of distorting facts. To let viewers weigh both sides, we publish excerpts from Vedeneyev’s conversation with publisher Roman Anin, where they discuss the key issues of the investigation. 00:00 Why we decided to publish this conversation 01:41 About relations with Durov 08:57 On access to traffic and surveillance 13:13 On cooperation with the FSB 22:56 Contradictions and recognition