Russian social media company VK has accused Apple of removing its applications from the App Store without prior notice, prompting the Kremlin to demand an explanation from the U.S. technology giant.
The St. Petersburg-based company said on Thursday that the removal would prevent users from receiving notifications about messages and other important updates. It added that applications already installed on Apple devices would continue to function, while all VK apps remain available on Android.
VK said it has never been subject to international sanctions and described Apple's decision as "unmotivated and unacceptable." The company said it continues to work in the interests of users and is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted access to its services.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the move raises questions about the reliability of Apple's services and that Russian authorities would seek clarification from the company.
"Before drawing any conclusions, we need to contact this service, and our relevant agency will do so," Peskov told reporters. He added that if Apple failed to provide an explanation, Russia would have to reconsider future interaction with the company.
Peskov also said the removal affects not only users in Russia but Russian-speaking users around the world. He suggested VK users switch from Apple devices to Android.
Apple has not commented on the removal of the applications or responded to the Kremlin's remarks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept dron...
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks...
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security...
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Wednesday's session of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai has shifted the discussion towards a central question for modern media: how can regional news organisations tell their own stories while reaching audiences far beyond their borders?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 16 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Russia will hold parliamentary elections from 18 to 20 September 2026, the country's first State Duma vote since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment