Telegram CEO Pavel Durov explains mountain lake swim in Kazakhstan

Collage by Kursiv.media, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has revealed a 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 the authorities to fine him.