"I have always advocated freedom of speech, but the issue of Telegram is not a matter of freedom of speech, it is a matter of national security," Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov,

Telegram is heavily used in both Ukraine and Russia and has become a critical source of information since the Russian invasion.

Citing national security issues, Ukrainian officials on Friday said the country's government agencies, military and critical infrastructure will be restricted from using the Telegram social media app.

Ukraine has limited the use of Telegram for government, military, and security officials due to national security risks. The National Security and Defence Council stated that Russia might access personal data and messages on the app.

Ukraine has told government and army officials to stop using the messaging app Telegram, warning that Russia may have access to data and communication on the popular communication channel. Telegram has become a vital messenger service on both sides of the war,

Government officials, military personnel and critical infrastructure workers will not be allowed to use the popular messaging app, but Ukrainians remain free to use it in their personal devices. View

Ukraine has banned military personnel, high-ranking state officials, and employees of defence companies and key infrastructure facilities from installing or using the messaging service Telegram on official devices.