The Russian embassy in France has demanded consular access to Telegram founder Pavel Durov and requested his rights be ensured, TASS news agency reported on Sunday.

The embassy said it has asked French authorities to explain the reasons for Russian-born Durov's detention and France has so far "avoided engagement" on the situation. Russian diplomats are in contact with Durov's lawyer, the embassy said.

Durov was arrested at an airport outside Paris on charges allegedly related to Telegram's refusal to cooperate with French law enforcement, French media earlier reported.

(With input from Reuters)