Telegram surpasses Whatsapp to become Russia's top messenger

Telegram has surpassed WhatsApp as Russia's most popular messaging app, according to Megafon, with Russians flocking to the service as Moscow imposes restrictions on some internet services.

The military action launched by Russia in Ukraine has fueled a simmering dispute between global digital platforms and Moscow.

Telegram's share of mobile internet traffic increased to 63 percent in the first two weeks of March, up from 48 percent in the first two weeks of February, according to Megafon, one of Russia's four main telecoms operators.