Protests on March 29—what actually happened

In the winter of 2026, Russian authorities redoubled their efforts to block Telegram and restrict internet access. Citing ongoing drone attacks, “whitelists” were introduced across the country, limiting access to a predefined set of websites and services. In central Moscow, mobile internet was unavailable for three weeks. In several regions, disruptions have lasted for months.

In February, the outlet The Bell reported that Telegram could be fully blocked in the country starting April 1. On one hand, the platform is an important space for independent media, human rights groups, and political projects. On the other hand, Telegram has also become home to extensive networks of pro-government and pro-war bloggers with large audiences. At the same time, even representatives of the Russian authorities appear to have little trust in the domestic messaging app “Max,” which the state has been actively pushing in recent months.

A potential Telegram ban could affect people on both sides of the political divide. According to Novaya Gazeta , pro-government media lost 23% of their audience amid the initial slowdowns, while opposition outlets saw a 10% decline. Ivan Filippov, author of the Telegram channel “Na Zzzzzapadnom fronte bez peremen” (“All quiet on the Western front”), shared statements from military personnel and pro-war “Z-channels” who spoke out strongly against the restrictions, citing the platform’s importance for the front.

“People are tired of you, your arbitrariness, and your abuse of power,” wrote Sevastopol-based propagandist and nationalist Vsevolod Radchenko after receiving a warning from security forces against participating in the protests, according to ASTRA.

Various political groups attempted to organize protests against the Telegram ban as early as February and early March, in at least eleven cities. Applications were submitted by representatives of the Yabloko party and the Communist Party (СPRF). The Syktyvkar (February 20) and Naryan-Mar (February 28) rallies were approved and took place without detentions; in both cases, the organizers were members of the Communist Party.

On March 1, activists in Novosibirsk attempted to hold a rally in defense of Telegram in a local “Hyde Park” area, where no prior approval is required by law. However, city authorities still banned the event, citing tree pruning as the reason. The area was fenced off, access was blocked, and participants were detained . They were later released without being charged.

On March 30, reports said that the organizer of the protest that never took place was fined 250,000 rubles. A court found Sergey Krupenko guilty of a repeat violation of the rules governing public assemblies.