If you’d read the linked sources, you’d know that it’s not just speculation. Regardless of Telegram’s user base, it cooperates with Russian authorities. That remains true whether or not Ukranians use it to communicate. I’m not blaming Telegram for cooperating with Russian authorities as it’s well known that not doing so leads to drastic authoritarian measures.
Sure, WhatsApp exposes you to US jurisdiction and Meta bullshit. At the same time, Telegram is very friendly with the Kremlin and associated intelligence services. So it basically comes down to whether you want to be spied on by Russian or US entities.
If you’d read the linked sources, you’d know that it’s not just speculation. Regardless of Telegram’s user base, it cooperates with Russian authorities. That remains true whether or not Ukranians use it to communicate. I’m not blaming Telegram for cooperating with Russian authorities as it’s well known that not doing so leads to drastic authoritarian measures.
But don’t take my word for it: Wikipedia: Blocking of Telegram in Russia