Telegram Founder Personally Responds to Russian Bond Freeze Rumors Denies Reliance on Russian Capital and Emphasizes Independent Control

January 7th — In response to earlier reports about the company facing bond freezes in Russia, Telegram founder Pavel Durov issued a direct statement this morning.

Durov first denied Telegram's dependence on Russian capital. He pointed out that a recent bond issuance of up to $1.7 billion involved investors who “happened to have no Russian investors.”

At the same time, he emphasized that most of the bonds issued in 2021 have been “repaid,” implying that even if some bonds are frozen in Russia, it “won't cause any problems.”

In the statement, Durov further clarified the boundaries of the company's ownership and control. Using the phrase “bondholders ≠ shareholders,” he highlighted the distinction between external debt and company equity, reaffirming that he is Telegram's sole shareholder.

This move aims to reassure the market and users that, regardless of the bond situation, the company's ultimate control and strategic direction remain entirely in his hands, unaffected by external creditors.

His statement is intended to alleviate market concerns about the “$500 million Russian bonds being frozen” (FUD), and to shift public attention from geopolitical risks to the company's independent financial status and solid control structure.

In summary, Durov responded to market worries by emphasizing the company's independent financial health and strong control rights. While this may temporarily soothe market sentiment, the core issue of the bond freeze reflects the broader geopolitical struggles faced by global tech companies.

Therefore, whether Telegram can fully resolve the risks depends on its subsequent practical responses under complex international regulatory frameworks, rather than this mere rhetorical statement.

#PavelDurov #Telegram