Russia

Apple’s VK-related decision affects millions of Russian speakers — Kremlin

TASS English · 2026-06-25

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Apple removed VK apps and subsidiary services from its App Store, prompting a response from Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who described the decision as "strange" and detrimental to millions of Russian-speaking users globally. • Why it matters: The removal affects not only users in Russia but also tens of millions of Russian speakers worldwide, raising concerns about accessibility and the implications of corporate decisions on user interests. • What to watch next: Russian authorities plan to contact Apple for clarifications regarding the app removal, which may lead to further developments in the relationship between the Kremlin and the tech giant.

Apple’s VK-related decision affects millions of Russian speakers — Kremlin Dmitry Peskov described the move by Apple as "strange"MOSCOW, June 25. /TASS/. Apple’s decision to remove VK apps and subsidiary services is strange and affects not only Russians but also tens of millions of Russian-speaking users worldwide, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Undoubtedly, such decisions to remove our apps, especially ones with such a massive user base, from the App Store hit the interests of users not only in our country but across the Russian-speaking world, where VK and all its subsidiary services are actively used," he told a briefing. "We are talking about tens of millions of people whose interests are affected by such decisions by Apple that are, to say the least, strange," Peskov added. VK announced earlier that Apple had removed its apps from the store without explanation. The company clarified that apps already installed would continue to function on Apple devices, though users would not receive push notifications. VK also emphasized that it had never been subject to sanctions, a fact confirmed by numerous legal opinions from international and US lawyers. 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Source: TASS English
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