Is It Illegal to Pay for Telegram Premium in Russia Now That Pavel Durov Is on the Terrorism List? Not Yet

After Russia’s Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Rosfinmonitoring) placed Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov on its register of terrorists and extremists, many Russians are wondering whether paying for Telegram Premium could lead to criminal charges. At present, it is not dangerous, because the restrictions apply only to Durov as an individual and his personal bank accounts within Russia, not to the platform itself.

Payments for digital services go to the company’s accounts—a separate legal entity—not to Durov personally, which makes it impossible to equate a subscription purchase with financing terrorism. Danger could arise only if Russian authorities officially designate Telegram as an extremist organization and ban it, as happened with Meta, according to Natalia Sekretareva, head of the legal department at the Memorial Human Rights Defense Center.

Currently, Telegram is not banned and does not appear on the lists of extremist or terrorist organizations maintained by the Ministry of Justice or the FSB. Rosfinmonitoring itself confirmed on the evening of July 30 that no restrictions apply to the messaging app. However, anyone considering a personal transfer directly to Durov should reconsider: such a transaction is likely to be blocked, and if the money reaches him, it could result in criminal liability. The law on financing extremist activity carries a penalty of up to 8 years in prison, while the law on aiding terrorist activity allows for up to 15 years. Authorities also advise against sending Telegram “Stars” to posts on Durov’s personal channel.