Russian servicemen refuse to switch to new state messenger
Units of the Russian Armed Forces are reportedly facing difficulties in implementing an order mandating the use of the government-controlled messaging app “MAX.”
According to the ATESH movement, there is growing internal resistance among servicemen to this requirement.
Mandatory transition to “MAX”
In several units of the 2nd Combined Arms Army stationed in Donetsk Oblast, dissatisfaction has intensified over the decision to forcibly install the state messenger.
Sources claim that servicemen were ordered to fully switch to the new platform by 18 February and abandon the use of other communication services. The directive has reportedly caused open frustration among rank-and-file soldiers and some officers.
Reasons for resistance
Many military personnel reportedly view “MAX” as software fully controlled by security services and fear potential consequences of its use.
Amid recent communication disruptions and Starlink shutdowns in certain units, additional difficulties in command and coordination have arisen. According to available information, this has allegedly led to personnel losses and the loss of previously held positions, particularly in the area of Huliaipole.
In private conversations, some servicemen reportedly admit to purchasing separate phones solely to formally install “MAX,” while continuing to use other messaging apps for primary communication. Some commanders are said to unofficially ignore this practice.
Military personnel reportedly fear that using the state messenger could lead to disciplinary or even criminal consequences, as they believe that conducting combat operations in strict compliance with existing regulations is practically impossible.
Previously, ATESH reported detecting a Russian camp in Myrne and claimed that partisans had disrupted Russian army supply lines in the Kharkiv direction by sabotaging a logistics route.
