Zakharova condemns move as censorship while VK calls decision ‘arbitrary and unacceptable.’

On Thursday, Apple announced that the App Store will no longer include the applications of the social media network VKontakte (VK), VK Video, VK Messenger, VK Music, VK Znakomstva, Dzen and Odnoklassniki.

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These Russian applications have been removed from Apple’s app download service and will no longer be able to send notifications to mobile devices through VK’s services.

In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova highlighted what she described as censorship by Western countries against forms of communication that run counter to their geopolitical interests.

“The removal of VK apps from the App Store will not isolate Russian digital services but will demonstrate the true value of Western declarations on free speech and an open Internet. No one should have illusions that Western IT infrastructure is not being used as an instrument of pressure and censorship,” she said.

About the attack on VKontakte

The last thing I want to do is complain about the enemy’s behavior, accuse them of censorship, or appeal to the conscience of the side that has been waging war against us for years. And the removal of Russian apps from the App Store is just as much… https://t.co/I9gcFtcl7t

— Yuri Podolyaka (@YuriPodolyaka) June 25, 2026

For its part, VKontakte, which is the most popular social media network and dominant technology platform in Russia, described Apple’s decision as “arbitrary and unacceptable.”

“Through its actions, Apple is limiting Russian users’ access to popular services used daily by tens of millions of customers. Apple’s actions will prevent users from receiving push notifications for messages,” VK added.

The Russian platform said it would continue working “in the interests of users” and would take “all necessary measures to ensure convenient and secure access to its products and services.”

Android users can continue to access VK services in full through RuStore, Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Store, Xiaomi Store and the official application websites.

In early June, Apple also removed the Russian messaging service MAX from its app platform. The service has been promoted by authorities as a secure alternative to Telegram and WhatsApp and is subject to state control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his deepest condolences for the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.

"We express our solidarity and support for the Venezuelan people, with whom we share a friendly relationship, in these… pic.twitter.com/kL3WWDtP59

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 25, 2026

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Source: EFE

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