Vladimir Putin, who is extremely reluctant to name names, unexpectedly mentioned Telegram yesterday.
He said it was necessary to begin working with young people on the messaging apps they use. Durov, meanwhile, is trying to counter the Kremlin’s public "love" with UFC fighters.
Yesterday, Putin gave an interview to Indian media and unexpectedly said the following: "All these messaging apps, Telegram, they are used to somehow influence young people... We need to work with people... We need to be in constant contact with young people and use their tools, modern means of disseminating information, social networks. We need to work there." So, we’re looking forward to Telegram’s work with young people, which ties in perfectly with yesterday’s statement by Andrei Svintsov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, that "Telegram’s leadership" is working closely with Russian law enforcement agencies and Roskomnadzor.
Pavel Durov, meanwhile, turned on his "favorite record." These same young people are now being actively "warmed up" for new gifts (pictures in exchange for real money) from a whole group of UFC fighters. And one of them (under his contract with Telegram, all posts are approved by the messenger) wrote the following: "Look, I’m getting a gift. I appreciate you and Telegram, which defends freedom of speech."
This last phrase is Durov’s favorite, although it has long since diverged from his actions. The highlight of the day was that, as part of the "warm-up" for the gifts, Durov agreed to serve as a cornerman for UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev, a favorite of Ramzan Kadyrov, during his next fight.
