Telegram CEO Pavel Durov explains mountain lake swim in Kazakhstan

Published October 9, 2025 17:33

Olga Znamenskaya

Olga Znamenskaya

Entertainment Section Editor
Дуров Кольсай, Durov, Telegram, CEO, Kolsai, Swim
Collage by Kursiv.media, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has revealed the reason behind his icy swim in Lake Kolsai, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, during his journey around the country’s landmarks.

The businessman posted a video in his Stories on his Russian-language Telegram channel, where he is seen walking into the water to remove a piece of garbage.

«Spotted and removed an iron rod from the bottom of a mountain lake in Kazakhstan,» the caption read.

Interestingly, a similar video appeared on the internet earlier, and it is likely AI-generated. Probably, Durov decided to joke with Kazakhstanis who had been actively discussing his plunge on social media.

Previously, he posted a video in his Stories showing him swimming in the icy waters of Lake Kolsai against the backdrop of picturesque snow-capped mountains, sparking a frenzy on social and mass media. Kazakhstanis noted that Durov had, in fact, violated the law by swimming in a protected area and called on authorities to fine him.

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