President Vladimir Putin has endorsed a plan to develop a national messaging app to replace WhatsApp, as Russia pushes for digital sovereignty.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the creation of a national messaging app to replace WhatsApp, the last major foreign messaging service still in use in Russia.
The State Duma has approved a federal law to establish the new communication platform, which will be integrated with the government’s digital portal, Gosuslugi.
According to the legislation, users will be able to verify their identities, send documents, conduct transactions, and sign forms electronically via the new app.
“This service must meet global standards of quality and competitiveness,” said Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson.
The move aligns with Moscow’s broader strategy to achieve digital independence following the exit of many Western tech firms after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Anton Gorelkin, a top lawmaker, said the app will offer messaging and calls, along with unique features not present in WhatsApp or Telegram.
Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev proposed the idea, warning that Russia lags behind in this area. The bill now awaits upper house approval and Putin’s signature.