VK, a technology company with state control, stated that its apps were deleted “without prior notice or justification,” despite the company not being subject to any US sanctions.
“By taking these steps, Apple is limiting Russian users’ access to widely-used services that are relied upon by millions daily, including social networks, messaging applications, video services, email, and educational tools,” VK remarked.
“We deem Apple’s actions towards Russian users as entirely unreasonable and unacceptable.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that relevant Russian authorities would “address the issue directly with the corporation and seek an explanation.”
“If these explanations are not forthcoming, we will have to reassess our relationship with this company,” he added.
Apple has yet to respond to a request for comment.
Peskov mentioned that Russians dissatisfied with Apple’s decision could opt for Android devices, which still support VK’s applications.
Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, Russia has limited the use of foreign tech applications as part of a wider struggle with Western platforms.
Moscow has shown a growing interest in promoting domestic internet services and enhancing control over the local online environment.
In particular, the government has been urging Russians to download and utilize MAX, a state-supported messaging app created by VK, which is now pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia.
VK’s messaging service ranks among the most popular in Russia, and its VKontakte social media platform is comparable to Facebook. In January, Mediascope reported that daily users of the company’s video hosting service reached 42.2 million.
The company itself is free from Western sanctions, although its CEO, Vladimir Kiriyenko, has faced sanctions from the European Union, Britain, and the U.S. His father, Sergei Kiriyenko, serves as President Vladimir Putin’s first deputy chief of staff.
