INTERNATIONAL — February 12, 2026
Russia Warns No Chance for WhatsApp Return Without Compliance to Local Laws
WhatsApp pledges to stay connected with Russian users amid a total block, but Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warns of no return without Meta's compliance to Russian laws.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV — 2 min read
WhatsApp has stated it will continue efforts to maintain connections for Russian users despite a full blockade of the messaging service in Russia. The Kremlin has warned that there is no prospect for resuming operations unless Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, engages in dialogue with Russian authorities and complies with local regulations.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, WhatsApp described the blocking by Russian authorities as a "step backwards" and affirmed it is doing everything possible to keep users connected. Recently, the domains whatsapp.com and web.whatsapp.com were removed from Russia's national domain name system, rendering access impossible via Russian IP addresses and requiring circumvention tools for use.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian presidency, told Gazeta.ru that WhatsApp could only resume activities if Meta initiates talks and adheres to Russian laws. Peskov stated that the company's current "inflexible and rigid" stance leaves "no chance" for the service to continue operating in Russia.
Meta has been designated an "extremist" entity in Russia, with its activities banned. Previously, access to Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as YouTube, has been restricted in similar fashion.
Read the original reporting at Amu TV →
Reliability assessment
Single source (Amu TV citing Gazeta.ru) provides direct, on-record attribution to named Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov with concrete details (domains removed, statement on X) and WhatsApp's public statement, which is checkable; not high-stakes or volatile.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by
Amu TV
Originating
Filed under
International — Russia, WhatsApp, Meta, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin
Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in International
167 Afghan Prisoners Transferred from Iran to Afghanistan
— Reliable
Pakistan Defense Minister Says Multiple Negotiations with Taliban Failed to Produce Results
— Reliable
UN Security Council Extends UNAMA Mandate in Afghanistan for One Year
— Reliable
Belgium Says Reviewing Invitations to Taliban Would Weaken Brussels' Position
— Reliable