Telegram's Durov says Russia triggered payment system problem by blocking VPNs


A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed Telegram logo in this illustration taken February 21, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

MOSCOW, April ⁠4 (Reuters) - Telegram founder Pavel ⁠Durov said on Saturday ‌Russia's attempt to block Virtual Private Networks triggered a problem with ​a domestic payment system, ⁠adding that ⁠tens of millions of Russians were ⁠now ‌resisting the digital controls.

The issue sowed ⁠chaos on Friday for some ​shoppers, ‌forcing the Moscow metro to ⁠allow ​entry without payment through its turnstiles, while a regional ⁠zoo had to ask ​visitors to use cash.

"Their blocking attempts just triggered a massive ⁠banking failure," Durov said on Telegram. "Welcome back to the Digital Resistance, my Russian ​brothers and ⁠sisters. The entire nation is ​now mobilised to ‌bypass these absurd ​restrictions."

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

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