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Signal Messenger Blocked in Russia for Violating Anti-Terrorism Laws

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Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has announced that Signal, an encrypted messaging app, has been blocked in the country for failing to comply with anti-terrorism laws. According to Interfax news agency, the block is due to Signal’s alleged violation of regulations designed to prevent messaging apps from being used for terrorist and extremist purposes.

Before Roskomnadzor’s formal announcement, hundreds of Signal users reported glitches with the app. Over 1,500 complaints were noted, primarily from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Users observed that while the app appeared to function normally when accessed through a VPN or in censorship bypass mode, it was otherwise inaccessible. Mikhail Klimarev, author of the Telegram channel “For Telecom,” confirmed that this issue is indicative of a government-imposed block rather than a technical malfunction on Signal’s part.

Signal users attempting to register new accounts without a VPN encountered a “Server Error” message, reinforcing the suspicion that the block is intentional. Signal has yet to respond to requests for comment.

This move follows Russia’s previous attempt to block Telegram in 2018, which, despite disrupting some third-party services, had minimal impact on Telegram’s availability within the country.

 

Ukraine Initiates Rare Cross-Border Assault into Russian Kursk Region

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Ukraine has initiated a rare cross-border assault into the Russian region of Kursk, which has extended into a second day. On Tuesday morning, Ukrainian forces crossed the border near Sudzha, located 10 km from the frontlines, supported by 11 tanks and over 20 armored combat vehicles. This move has led to the implementation of a state of emergency in the area, as stated by acting regional governor Alexei Smirnov. President Vladimir Putin labeled the incursion as “another major provocation,” and Russian officials reported that up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops were involved.

Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko claimed control over the Sudzha gas hub, a crucial facility for the transit of natural gas to the EU, Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported that Russian forces had halted the Ukrainian advance and were engaging in ongoing combat to repel the intruders. According to Gerasimov, Russian troops have already killed 100 Ukrainians and injured 215. However, some pro-war Telegram channels describe the situation as deteriorating, with heavy battles reported in Sudzha and Korenevo.

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Thousands of residents have fled the region, prompting the Russian National Guard to bolster security at the Kursk nuclear power plant. Reports indicate that Ukrainian shelling has resulted in 24 injuries, including six children. The region has experienced continuous air alerts and public events have been canceled. Russian authorities reported civilian casualties from Ukrainian air attacks, with three killed and additional injuries reported.

Kyiv has yet to officially comment on the situation, but Ukrainian regional head Volodymyr Artyukh has ordered evacuations from areas bordering Kursk. Ukrainian Colonel Vladislav Seleznyov described the assault as a “preventative” measure against the significant Russian troop buildup near the border. Despite the ongoing conflict, some analysts question the strategic value of these incursions.

Americans Freed in Russia Prisoner Swap Reunite with Families

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Three Americans who were released in a significant prisoner swap with Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, have arrived back in the United States. The swap, described as the largest since the end of the Cold War, involved the exchange of 16 prisoners for eight Russians.

Alongside Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva were freed. The exchange took place at an airfield in Turkey and was facilitated by negotiations spanning over 18 months. The deal included the return of Vadim Krasikov, who was serving a life sentence in Germany for a Berlin assassination.

Upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the freed Americans were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris before reuniting with their families. The three were later sent to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas for medical evaluations.

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin welcomed the returned Russians, including Krasikov, and announced they would receive state awards. The swap also involved other prisoners from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and Belarus.

The exchange follows prior discussions that included jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but these discussions fell through after his death in February. The swap comes amid high tensions between Moscow and the West, particularly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.