Russia is not all black, why do you think Telegram is getting as much backlash from states, media and every government that wants more control over certain groups?
"Organized use of the app has been linked to pro-democracy protests in Belarus,[250] Russia,[251] Hong Kong[252] and Iran,[253]"
From Wikipedia
I don't believe anyone is safe using a smart device if three letter organisations have any serious interest in your persona but i would bet that it is still one of the safer options if you take convinience of usage into play.
Isn't telegram russian? Why is anyone surprised here? Some people are living proof that humanity is as dumb as some dictators want us to believe it is. Jesus Christ