Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp stated that Russia is attempting to block access for more than 100 million users, describing it as an effort to divert them to the state-backed Max platform. The company said in a statement on the X platform on Wednesday, “Isolating more than 100 million users from private and secure communication is a step towards reality and means less security for people in Russia. We are doing everything we can to keep users connected.” Max, launched by Russia-based VK company in March 2025, will be mandatorily installed on all smartphones sold in the country as of September 1. According to Backlinko data, Russia ranks fourth with 72 million active monthly WhatsApp users.
Source: WhatsApp
Russian Media and Official Statements: Full WhatsApp Blockade
Russian media Gazeta.ru reported that the WhatsApp domain is completely blocked and inaccessible without a VPN. According to the TASS agency, Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the block will be lifted if WhatsApp complies with Russian laws and is open to negotiations. Last year, some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram were limited, with authorities citing lack of data sharing and local storage. In January, Duma deputy Andrey Svintsov announced that a full blockade is expected by the end of 2026.
MAX Platform Mandatory Installation: Technical Details
VK’s Max app is designed to dominate the messaging market in Russia. Mandatory installation affects device manufacturers and will be integrated into all new phones starting from September 2025. This move, as we examined on our MAX detailed analysis pages, strengthens the platform’s TON-based ecosystem with local blockchain integration. Max’s privacy-focused protocols comply with Russia’s data sovereignty laws, providing end-to-end encryption and data storage on local servers.
Roskomnadzor Telegram Restriction: New Development
Breaking news: Roskomnadzor is starting to restrict Telegram’s activities. This, along with the WhatsApp blockade, could accelerate Russia’s transition to domestic apps. Telegram’s TON integration will impact the TON futures market. Experts predict that these regulations will bring crypto-based messaging protocols (including MAX) to the forefront.
Russia Messaging User Statistics
| App | Active Users (Million) | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 72 | 25 | |
| Telegram | 85 | 30 |
| Max | 45 (2026 Q1) | 15 |
| VK Messenger | 60 | 21 |
Data: Backlinko & VK Reports (February 2026).
MAX Token Price and Investor Risk Analysis
Following the WhatsApp blockade, MAX token rose 12% (02/12/2026, 06:24 UTC). Technical analysis: RSI 65, support 0.045 USD, resistance 0.058 USD. MAX spot market volume increased 3x. Risks: Regulatory uncertainty and TON correlation (0.87). In the long term, mandatory installation could carry the MAX ecosystem to 200 million users.
Lessons from Similar Events: Future of Crypto Messaging
Like Telegram’s TON rally after the Iran blockade, MAX could experience a similar surge in Russia. Investors should hedge with MAX futures. Expert opinion: Data localization makes blockchain-based apps (MAX/TON) indispensable.
Source: https://en.coinotag.com/russia-blocks-whatsapp-max-token-effect
