Pavel Durov Slams Apple for 'Not Cool' VPN Ban as Russia Tightens the Screws on Telegram

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov just called out Apple after several VPN and proxy tools got booted from the Russian App Store. The removals followed ongoing disruptions to Telegram access in Russia, and Durov isn't holding back—he's absolutely dragging the fruit company across the timeline for this one.

Apple pulled several apps that support custom proxy connections, including Streisand, V2Box, v2RayTun, and Happ Proxy Utility. AppleCensorship data confirms these apps are no longer available in Russia or China. The deletions happened just days after Telegram users started reporting major connectivity issues across the country. Coincidence? Nobody in crypto Twitter believes in coincidences anymore.

Durov didn't mince words in his public statement, pointing out that these prohibitions clearly aim to push users toward state-controlled platforms while squeezing independent communication channels. His exact words: "Apple just banned several VPN apps from the Russian App Store — targeting those that helped users bypass Russia's DPI-based censorship. That's not cool, Apple." Classic Durov—saying what everyone is thinking while staying suspiciously calm about it.

Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, confirmed it's implemented consistent restrictions on Telegram. Officials claim the measures ensure compliance with national laws and protect citizens, while also accusing Telegram of failing to safeguard personal data and address criminal activity. Durov dismissed these allegations, describing the restrictions as an effort to force surveillance through other platforms—specifically mentioning the Kremlin-backed MAX messaging app and its concerning surveillance features. Nothing says "protecting citizens" quite like nudging them toward an app that probably has more backdoors than a Swiss cheese factory.

Russian lawmakers are now bragging they can restrict VPN traffic more effectively. Lawmaker Andrey Svintsov warned that bypass tools may no longer work against Telegram restrictions. Ah yes, nothing like politicians flexing about their ability to break the internet—we've definitely seen that work out well historically.

This isn't Apple's first rodeo. In 2024, Apple removed at least 60 VPN apps including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN. That same year, lawmakers introduced a law regulating the supply of means to bypass internet restrictions, paving the way for this broader crackdown. Apple really said "we've done this before and we'll do it again, what are you gonna do, switch to Android?" (Spoiler: some definitely are.)

Developers affected by the latest removals shared Apple's notices citing compliance with local laws. The brutal part: delisted apps won't receive updates or security patches going forward. Nothing says "we care about user security" quite like leaving apps to rot with potential vulnerabilities because a government told you to.

Russian Telegram users have been suffering major connectivity issues for the past two weeks. As access declined, demand for VPN services predictably spiked. Amnezia VPN founder Mazay Banzaev confirmed a surge in new users as Telegram disruptions intensified, noting that detection systems have become more precise while some services still manage to bypass restrictions. Enforcement tactics have clearly shifted toward broader, more aggressive blocking methods. Classic cat and mouse—except the cat has state funding and the mouse keeps having to learn new tunneling techniques at 3 AM.

Meanwhile, regulatory pressure is ramping up elsewhere too. Canada introduced Bill C-25 to prohibit crypto