EU Sanctions VK for Developing Messenger App Max

July 13, 2026 The Kremlin-backed messenger app Max. Moskva News Agency The European Union on Monday sanctioned Russian tech giant VK over its role in developing the Kremlin-backed messaging app Max, which critics say was created for mass surveillance and censorship. The restrictions on VK and its subsidiary, Communication Platform LLC, follow coordinated EU and British sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of being behind Russia-attributed cyberattacks across Europe. “The development of the Max application was supervised by the Federal Security Service (FSB),” the EU said in its official sanctions designation. Brussels cited expert opinions claiming that Max, which comes pre-installed on all phones and devices sold in Russia, has “extensive” surveillance capabilities to monitor communications. “The introduction and promotion of the Max application by the Russian state have been accompanied by a crackdown on and blocking of other independent applications,” the EU designated added, referring to restrictions on Telegram and WhatsApp. “Therefore, VK provides technical support for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, including by assisting and facilitating such acts,” it said. Responding to the sanctions announcement, VK said it did not expect its platforms, which include the social media websites VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, or Max to be impacted. “Applications and services are available to users as normal,” the company told state news agencies. Last month, Apple removed VK platforms and Max from its App Store. It said the move was based on sanctions compliance, even though VK was not under sanctions at the time. Separately, the EU and the U.K. on Monday sanctioned individuals and entities accused of involvement in Russian “cyber and hybrid operations.” The British government targeted 24 people and entities, including senior leaders of Russia’s GRU military intelligence, who are accused of working with cybercriminals to sow chaos and division across Europe. Brussels sanctioned nine individuals and four entities linked to the FSB’s Center 16, accusing them of collaborating with cyber threat groups to infiltrate government networks and sabotage critical infrastructure in Ukraine and at least nine EU countries. The EU is expected to adopt its 21st package of sanctions against Russia next week. Read more about: VKontakte , European Union , Sanctions Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more EU Weighs Handing Raiffeisen $2Bln in Deripaska-Linked Strabag Shares – FT EU ambassadors were expected to discuss the plan in Brussels on Friday, with “several” member states likely to object, the FT reported. 2 Min read Luxury Firm Cucinelli Chided by Italian Regulators Over Russia Claims A report alleged that the cashmere company continued to sell ultra high-value luxury goods in Russia in violation of EU sanctions. 2 Min read EU Slaps Fresh Sanctions on Russia, Targeting Aluminum and ‘Shadow Fleet’ Ships European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Brussels was “committed to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin.” 2 Min read EU Court Rejects Abramovich’s Appeal to Lift Sanctions “[Abramovich’s Russian affiliation] under today’s very broad EU regulations is sufficient to remain sanctioned,” the court's statement said. 2 Min read