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

Reuters via Yahoo ^ | 4 April 2026 | Guy Faulconbridge

[DUMBGRUNT]

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

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TOPICS: Business/Economy; Chit/Chat; History
KEYWORDS: karma

[DUMBGRUNT]

"How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree?)

[jerod]

Or maybe it’s a sign of something bigger... Russia’s economic collapse... A four year war is a costly venture and obviously not without it’s financial limits.

Who will Russia put in to replace Putin?

[DUMBGRUNT]

—” Russia’s economic collapse... A four year war is a costly venture and obviously not without it’s financial limits.”

Those who remember the continuous playing of Swan Lake on Russian radio also recall the 10,000 percent inflation and total collapse of the ruble.

Currently, there are no limits on rubal withdrawals, but if you ask for too many; subject to lengthy review.

Elvira Nabiullina does the best she can with not so much and avoids tall buildings. An extreme balancing act, supported by nothing.

Now, some of the natives are getting tired of the BS about their money before it goes to zero value.

[BobL]

I guess some here can have wet dreams about Russia ‘collapsing’ economically, but given their deficit, debt, and the price of oil and especially natural gas, I’ll hold off for now.

So, assuming that the story is true, which it likely the case, perhaps some here, especially you Russia-hating Europeans, will see the future coming your way with digital currencies...although I don’t expect you guys to understand the implications of this article.