Apple removes Russia's biggest social media platform from App Store

Russia's largest social media platform, VK, along with other applications belonging to the company, disappeared from Apple's App Store on June 25. The removal affects a total of 16 applications operated by the VK holding company. VK is the largest homegrown social media platform in Russia, a crucial part of the country's online ecosystem. As access to Western social media platforms has been restricted in recent years, VK has expanded its influence, serving as a primary channel for information dissemination and state-backed narratives.

The company stated that it has never been subject to sanctions and has never appeared on any sanctions lists, as confirmed by numerous opinions from international and U.S. legal experts. VK emphasized that users who have already installed the applications on Apple devices will still be able to use them, albeit with limited functionality. However, due to their removal from the App Store, users will no longer receive push notifications. The move also impacts Max, a state-backed messaging platform developed as part of Russia's efforts to create a national digital ecosystem independent of Western technology companies.

Russia's state-controlled digital environment continues to evolve. In June 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation establishing a national digital platform centered on the Max messenger and integrated with government services. Promoted by Russian authorities as part of a broader drive for technological sovereignty, the system has raised concerns among human rights advocates that it may significantly expand the state's surveillance capabilities.

The Kyiv Independent's Tim Zadorozhnyy reported on this developing story, providing context to the events unfolding in Russia. The journalist stated that, as a result of the removal, users who have previously installed VK's applications on Apple devices can still use them but will no longer receive push notifications. The company's removal from the App Store comes as Russia accelerates its efforts to build a fully state-controlled digital environment.

The decision by Apple to remove VK's applications from the App Store has been met with criticism from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. He advised those who are truly active users of the service to simply switch to Android devices. The spokesperson's comments reflect the Russian government's strategy to circumvent Western technology companies and establish its own digital ecosystem.

Notably, this move by Apple contributes to the ongoing tensions between Western technology companies and the Russian government. VK's removal from the App Store serves as a significant blow to Russia's efforts to maintain control over its digital environment. Furthermore, the Russian government has faced challenges in implementing its national digital platform due to the reliance on foreign technology companies.

The Ukrainian government has expressed concerns over Russia's digital activities and the potential risks associated with its national digital ecosystem. The country's energy grid has come under strain in recent days after Russian proxy authorities said widespread power outages in occupied Crimea left approximately half of the peninsula without electricity.

Russia's actions in Ukraine continue to attract international attention. Several EU countries are considering national laws intended to restrict how temporary protection works for the 4 million Ukrainian refugees across Europe. Human rights advocates have warned that the Russian government's push for technological sovereignty may exacerbate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Vice versa, Ukraine's central bank chief Andriy Pyshnyi stated that Sense Bank and Ukrgazbank have a good chance of being privatized by the end of 2026. The bank's assets are likely to be used to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and social resilience.

The Kyiv Independent provides continuous updates on the developing story. As Apple removes Russia's leading social media platform from its App Store, it is clear that the global tech giant is committed to complying with laws and regulations in the countries where it operates.