Apple blocks the “Russian Facebook”: the Kremlin advises switching to Android

As if the problems related to the memory crisis weren't enough, the global tech landscape now faces a new phase of friction. The reason is the decision of Apple to remove several mobile applications of the Russian giant VK from its App Store.

This move has hit essential services for millions of users, obscuring popular services such as VKontakte (the ‘Russian Facebook’) and Odnoklassniki, as well as video platforms, email services and messaging tools.

Cupertino's intervention is not limited to blocking new downloads, but also affects those who have already installed the apps, who will no longer receive the essential push notifications for daily operation.

Apple removes the Russian VK apps from the App Store

The official justification provided by Apple concerns the need to comply with international sanctions and current local laws. Although the VK company claims not to be directly listed on any sanctions list, the crux of the matter lies in the figure of its chief executive, Wladimir Kirijenko.

This individual is in fact the subject of personal sanctions by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, a circumstance that pushed Apple to proceed with the removal to avoid international legal complications.

This is not the first time such a situation has occurred, as in September 2022 a similar block happened, later revoked after about a month.

The Russian government advises switching to Android

The Russian government's response was immediate and loaded with political and practical implications. The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, demanded an official explanation from Apple, warning that the lack of clear motivations will lead Russia to reconsider radically the future collaboration with the American tech giant.

In a gesture underscoring the gravity of the situation, the government urged citizens to make the switch to the Android operating system since VK's applications remain available on Google Play Store, ensuring service continuity.

Anyway, to have a clear picture one must consider that Apple has officially stopped selling its products in Russia since March 2022, and the current devices in the country arrive exclusively through unofficial import channels.

The affair fits into Russia's plan to make the country's digital infrastructure autonomous from abroad. In this light, the government is pushing the adoption of local tools such as MAX, the messaging app developed by VK, mandating by law pre-installation on all devices sold in Russia. Since iPhones are not sold officially, they are clearly off the radar — hence the suggestion to switch to Android.