Russia to launch national messenger

Russia is set to launch a national messenger, according to Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev, reports Rozetked.

The platform will be used for messaging, accessing government services, and even communicating with state institutions. It will also allow users to store and show digital documents.

It will feature an open architecture, enabling third-party services — like hospitals, rentals, and food delivery — to integrate with it.

Registration won’t require a passport. The standard method will be phone number verification, with an option to link with “Gosuslugi” for additional features. Fake and virtual numbers will be blocked.

Analysts say this points to Russia building its own version of WeChat, China’s all-in-one super app.

It’s unclear whether the messenger will be a brand-new product or based on VK MAX. The official launch is expected in summer 2025. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!