Telegram decides not to block Russian and Ukrainian channels

MOSCOW. Feb 27 (Interfax) - At the request of its users, Telegram has made a decision not to partly or fully restrict the operation of Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels, the messenger's founder Pavel Durov said.

"A large number of users asked us not to consider restricting the operation of Telegram channels during the conflict, as it is the only source of information for them. In light of these requests, we have made a decision not to consider such measures," Durov said on Telegram.

"However, I ask you once again to double check and not to take at its face value any information that is being published on Telegram channels in this difficult period," he said.

Durov said earlier that the messaging app is increasingly becoming a source of unverified information related to the developments in Ukraine, and in the event of an escalation, he would consider partly or fully restricting the operation of Russian and Ukrainian channels during the conflict.