According to BlockBeats, on August 25, former CIA analyst Larry Johnson expressed concerns over the allegations against Telegram founder Pavel Durov. Johnson stated that Telegram is one of the few platforms that still allows the dissemination of information critical of Western policies, suggesting that this is the root of the issue.

Johnson described the accusations against Durov as 'fabricated political cases,' implying that they are intended to intimidate the tech entrepreneur. He noted that Durov was once considered friendly with French President Emmanuel Macron, but this relationship appears to have deteriorated. Johnson emphasized that such an arrest would not have occurred without Macron's knowledge and approval.