Moscow, August 28— Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that diplomatic relations between Russia and France have deteriorated significantly following the arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram. Durov, a Russian-born tycoon with dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates, was detained without specific charges at Le Bourget airport in Paris on Saturday evening.

The arrest has led to an outcry from the Russian government, with Lavrov condemning the actions of the French authorities. The detention, which has been extended until Wednesday for further questioning, is seen by Moscow as a move against freedom of speech, freedom of information, and journalistic rights. Lavrov alleged that Durov's arrest is a tactic to gain access to Telegram's encryption codes, claiming the French government is targeting him under advice from an external entity.

Further inflaming tensions, Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, suggested that the United States might be attempting to control Telegram through France. 

A French police source revealed to Reuters that Durov's arrest was linked to an ongoing investigation into allegations of widespread crime facilitated by Telegram. The platform has been criticized for its lack of moderation and limited cooperation with law enforcement, prompting legal scrutiny in France.

Durov's dual citizenship could potentially create diplomatic tension between France and the United Arab Emirates, as the arrest may be perceived as a move against one of its citizens. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for international relations and digital freedom debates.