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.
Türkiye has banned children under 15 from using social media under new regulations published on Saturday. ...
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed surprise after Donald Trump mediated the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement in 2025, the U.S. President ...
The United Nations has condemned a sharp rise in attacks on civilians in Ukraine, reporting that more than 100 people were killed and at least 429 ...
Leaders of countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have agreed to hold coordinated population censuses around 2030. They took the decision at the CIS Council of Heads of State meeting in Awaza, Turkmenistan on Friday, media reported.
Britain and Israel have reached a temporary compromise over the future of the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem, easing a diplomatic dispute that had threatened to further strain relations between the two countries.
South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday “for her efforts to promote peace and international law,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.
The Nobel Peace Prize 2026 will be announced on Friday, 9 October, bringing one of the world's most closely watched awards back into focus.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (9 October) escalating tensions with European allies and potentially targeting companies that provide services to the tribunal. The move came hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed surprise after Donald Trump mediated the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement in 2025, the U.S. President said at a rally in New York state on Friday.
The United Nations has condemned a sharp rise in attacks on civilians in Ukraine, reporting that more than 100 people were killed and at least 429 injured in a single week as Russian strikes hit residential areas, passenger buses and critical infrastructure.
Air quality in Singapore plunged to “very unhealthy” levels on Friday, 9 October, as thick haze engulfed the city-state ahead of Sunday's Formula One Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen claimed pole position for Saturday's Sprint race.
Ukrainian drone strikes have hit two Yandex data centres in Russia on consecutive days, disrupting digital services as Kyiv intensifies attacks on Russia's digital infrastructure.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (9 October) escalating tensions with European allies and potentially targeting companies that provide services to the tribunal. The move came hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment