On the night of March 31, Russian Telegram users received an official notification: “Today is the last chance to pay for Telegram Premium.” The messenger is offering a two-year subscription for 2,990 ₽, warning that this may soon become “technically impossible” in the region. Against the backdrop of the already active Telegram block and rumors about it being designated as an extremist organization, the message looks alarming — but there’s more behind it than just concern for users.
Today is the last chance to pay for Telegram Premium. Image: postium.ru
Telegram Premium — Price, Terms, and What Makes the Offer Worth It
The standard Telegram Premium subscription costs 299 ₽ per month. Over two years, that adds up to 7,176 ₽. The offer to subscribe to Premium for 24 months at 2,990 ₽ is a discount of nearly 60%. The savings are obvious: if you already use the paid subscription, the two-year plan saves you over four thousand rubles.
But there’s a catch. Telegram isn’t sending this offer out of generosity — it’s doing so against the backdrop of a very specific news event: rumors about the messenger potentially being designated as an extremist organization.
All users in Russia received such messages
If this happens, any payment within the app could be classified as financing extremist activity. In effect, the messenger is rushing users to pay while it’s still legal — and simultaneously profiting from their anxiety.
It’s important to understand: until Telegram is actually designated as extremist (if that even happens), paying for the subscription carries no legal risk. The April 1 date, around which the hype is building, is not tied to any official decision.
Is Telegram Blocked in Russia Right Now?
According to sources, Telegram is de facto already blocked in Russia. While previously restrictions only affected calls, by the end of 2025 the messenger began experiencing slowdowns, and by mid-March 2026 — a full block. Millions of users can’t open chats or load messages.
This means that for many, the question of paying for Premium is secondary: without a VPN or other workarounds, the messenger is practically useless. Paying for a subscription to an app you can’t use normally is a questionable decision, even with a discount.
Criminal Case Against Pavel Durov — What Is He Accused Of?
The situation is made worse by reports of possible criminal prosecution of Telegram’s founder. According to “Rossiyskaya Gazeta” and “Komsomolskaya Pravda,” Pavel Durov may face charges under Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code — “Aiding Terrorist Activity.” Durov himself confirmed this information in his Telegram channel on February 24, 2026.
At the time of publication, no official statements from investigative authorities had been issued. But even rumors of a criminal case create legal uncertainty around everything related to Telegram in Russia — from using the messenger to paying for its services.
Will Telegram Be Designated as Extremist, and What Does That Mean for Users in Russia?
If Telegram is designated as an extremist organization, the consequences will affect not only developers but also ordinary users. Under Article 282.3 of the Russian Criminal Code, paying for a subscription or any in-app purchases could be classified as financing extremist activity.
April 1 is a symbolic date, not an official deadline
As long as no such decision has been made, purchasing Premium carries no risk. But this very prospect is the main leverage Telegram is using for marketing purposes. The April 1 date became symbolic thanks to earlier media publications, and the platform’s administration, according to sources, is “ironically using it to promote a paid product.”
In other words, there is no official deadline on April 1. It is not the date of a block, not the date of an extremist designation, and not the date of payment shutoff.
Telegram Premium for Free or at a Discount — Is It Worth Looking for Workarounds?
Against the backdrop of news about the block, search queries like “Telegram Premium for free” and similar ones have surged. Let’s be straightforward: downloading modified versions of the messenger or unofficial accounts is a risk. Such apps do not guarantee the safety of your messages and data.
Use only the official bot for payment and don’t fall for dubious offers
The only safe way to get Telegram Premium is to subscribe through the official app or through the Premium Bot inside the messenger. Everything else is a gamble with the security of your personal data.
Who Should Pay for Telegram Premium and Who Should Wait?
The situation with Telegram in Russia is uncertain. Here’s what makes sense to consider before purchasing:
- Telegram is already blocked — without bypass tools, the subscription is useless.
- The April 1 date is not tied to any official decision — it’s a marketing move.
- If Telegram is designated as extremist, payment will become legally risky — but that hasn’t happened yet.
- The two-year subscription for 2,990 ₽ is a good deal price-wise, but you’re paying for a service whose future in Russia is in question.
- Getting a refund for a paid subscription if the messenger permanently stops working will be extremely difficult.
If Telegram is your primary work tool and you’ve already found a way to bypass the block, the 2,990 ₽ offer truly saves money. For everyone else, it’s wiser to wait and see how the situation develops. Rushing to pay amid alarming news is exactly what they expect from you.
