Kremlin monitoring Telegram CEO Durov's arrest

Manner in which Durov was arrested suggests political factors at play, says Kremlin spokesman

MOSCOW:

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday refused to provide the Russian government “assessments” on the investigation and charges filed against Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the encrypted messaging app Telegram, by French prosecutors in a Paris court.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Peskov said the Russian authorities are monitoring the developments in Durov's case, but that "I don't think we should make any assessments right now. The important thing is that what is happening in France does not escalate into political persecution."

Durov was charged on Wednesday with "complicity" in the spread of child abuse images and in drug trafficking, but he was released on €5 million (about $5.5 million) bail under judicial supervision, with a ban on leaving France.

Peskov said he is aware of French President Emmanuel Macron's statements denying any political motives for his arrest. However, the manner in which Durov was arrested indicates that there are political factors at play.

The official pointed out that Durov is a French citizen who "has everything necessary to organize legal protection."

Regarding China's announcement to impose export restrictions on drones and their components beginning Sept. 1, the Kremlin spokesman said Russia's unmanned aerial vehicle industry is rapidly developing.

"We are steadily, systematically and purposefully developing this high-tech industry, and we are very confidently following the path of import substitution. More and more production facilities are opening with an increased percentage of import-substituted units and assemblies, this process will continue," he said.

"The partnership spirit of our relations allows us to solve and discuss current problems in a very constructive way," he asserted.

Media reports earlier claimed that Chinese banks stopped processing payments from Russia not only in dollars and euros but also in yuan.

Payment problems between Russia and China may arise as a result of the West's hostile actions, but the two countries value their relations and seek solutions, he stressed.

When asked about the transfer of income from Russian assets to Ukraine, Peskov slammed the West's actions as "theft," warning that it would have consequences. "These are illegal activities. They will undoubtedly face legal consequences.”

The West has frozen $300 billion in Russian assets since Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine began in 2024.

On Thursday, EU top diplomat Josep Borrell announced that Brussels had already sent €1.4 billion in income from Russian assets to Kyiv and EU countries as compensation for arms supplies.