Telegram is heavily used in both Ukraine and Russia and has become a critical source of information since the Russian invasion.

Citing national security issues, Ukrainian officials on Friday said the country's government agencies, military and critical infrastructure will be restricted from using the Telegram social media app.

Ukraine’s National Cyber Security Coordination Center announced on Friday that it had decided to restrict the use of Telegram by government agencies, critical infrastructure facilities, and the military.

Ukraine has banned government officials, military personnel and other defense and critical infrastructure workers from installing the popular Telegram messaging app on state-issued devices.

The ban affects government officials and military personnel, over concerns about Russian cyber-attacks.

Military personnel and civil servants are prohibited from using Telegram on work devices. However, there are exceptions, according to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC). "The National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC) has decided to restrict the use of Telegram in government bodies,