What’s Going On With Telegram’s Bonds, Sanctions, and IPO Plans?

[kevin1]

Reports indicate that $500 million of Telegram bonds issued in 2021 are frozen in Russia due to Western sanctions, though the company denies any operational risk. Telegram stated that its 2025 bond offerings excluded Russian investors and emphasized that repayments are handled through international intermediaries.

At the same time, Telegram is exploring an IPO but faces delays due to regulatory uncertainty. CEO Pavel Durov remains under formal investigation in France, and the company has told investors it needs more clarity before moving forward. Major backers such as BlackRock and Mubadala remain involved, underscoring continued institutional interest despite the challenges.

[ed]

institutional backers sticking around tells me there’s more here than the drama