Since August 2025, voice and video calls on WhatsApp and Telegram have been blocked in Russia. Text messages still work, but attempting a call simply won’t connect. The Russian regulator Roskomnadzor justified the measure citing security and fraud reasons, though the result is that millions of people inside and outside the country have had their most common way of communicating limited. Below, I present the main options and alternatives that currently allow you to make video calls with Russia.
1. Use a VPN to Continue Using WhatsApp and Telegram
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to connect to the internet through servers located outside of Russia, restoring calls on WhatsApp and Telegram.
- Advantages: you can keep using the app that most people already use; no need to switch platforms if both parties are on WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Disadvantages: the person in Russia needs to have the VPN installed and active; some free services are unstable.
Examples of VPNs that work in Russia (though with intermittent blocks):
- Proton VPN: available on the App Store and Google Play, with a limited free plan.
- TunnelBear: simple interface, also with a free version.
- Windscribe: offers 10 GB free per month and guides to overcome blocks.
It’s advisable to install and configure the VPN before traveling to Russia, as the initial download from within can be more complicated. Many users in Russia use two or three different VPNs as backup, as blocks don’t always affect all services equally.
In Russia, a VPN can be used at a personal level, although promoting it is prohibited by law and some services are intermittently blocked by local providers.
2. Use International Video Call Platforms
There are several international apps that continue to work in Russia without the need for a VPN:
- Zoom: one of the most widely used globally.
- Google Meet: requires a Gmail account, but is easy to use.
- Microsoft Teams: widely used in work environments, also valid for personal calls.
- Brave Talk: allows video calls from the Brave browser, without installing additional apps.
Currently, these platforms do not have restrictions in Russia, although similar measures to those of WhatsApp and Telegram cannot be ruled out in the future.
3. Russian Applications
Local messaging and calling apps work within Russia without the need for a VPN:
- VK Calls: integrated into the VKontakte social network.
- Yandex Messenger: within the Yandex ecosystem.
- MAX: the new super app developed with state support that combines messaging, calls, public services, and payments. It’s said to be pre-installed on all phones sold in Russia from September 2025.
The main advantage is that they are not blocked in the country. The downside is that outside of Russia, they are not widely used, limiting their adoption.
4. Privacy and Decentralization-Focused Applications
In addition to the above options, there are lesser-known apps that offer privacy advantages:
- Threema: developed in Switzerland, with servers outside of Russia and available for a one-time payment.
- Olvid: a French app that doesn’t require sharing personal data.
- Element (Matrix): a decentralized platform, resistant to blocks, though with a more technical usage.
- Chattti: an emerging alternative that focuses on secure messaging and encrypted calls, with a simple interface and available on mobile. Its adoption is still limited, but it works in Russia (I tried it this week to talk to a friend) and can be an interesting option for those looking to try something new.
Currently, they work in Russia, as they have not been subject to blocks. However, their adoption within the country is minimal, making them less practical for most users.
Practical Recommendation
The choice depends on the specific situation:
- To keep WhatsApp or Telegram as usual, the most effective way is to have a VPN installed and configured.
- For a quick alternative without a VPN, the best options are Zoom or Google Meet.
- For those residing in Russia for an extended period, installing VK or Yandex Messenger, and in the future MAX, may be useful.
- For those prioritizing security and privacy, apps like Threema, Element, or Chattti offer good guarantees, though both parties need to adopt them.
Conclusion
The blocking of calls on WhatsApp and Telegram in Russia has changed communication habits, but it doesn’t prevent making video calls. There are practical solutions ranging from using VPNs to international platforms, local apps, or decentralized services. The key is to prepare these tools in advance and agree with contacts on which to use in each case.
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