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

Lead

The Kremlin is demanding an explanation from Apple over its removal of VK apps and subsidiary services from the App Store, with officials describing the move as politically motivated and harmful to tens of millions of Russian-speaking users worldwide. VK, the Russian social media company, announced that Apple had removed its apps without explanation, and the Russian government has weighed in with criticism.

Coverage Comparison

All reporting on this story comes from TASS, the Russian state news agency, which has covered the story from multiple angles: the Kremlin's official response, the Russian digital development ministry's statement, and VK's own announcement. The coverage consistently presents the Russian government's perspective, with no independent or external viewpoints included.

Key Claims

Removal of VK Apps

VK announced earlier that Apple had removed its apps from the App Store without explanation. According to the company, apps already installed on Apple devices will continue to function, though users will not receive push notifications for messages and important events. VK also noted that its apps for Android users remain fully available.

Kremlin's Response

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is waiting for explanations from Apple regarding the removal of VK apps and its subsidiary services. He told a briefing that an explanation from the corporation will certainly be required, noting that if no clarifications are provided, further conclusions will need to be drawn regarding the continuation of any interaction with the company.

Peskov also said that Apple's decision to remove the apps is "strange" and affects not only Russians but also tens of millions of Russian-speaking users worldwide. He said that such decisions hit the interests of users not only in Russia but across the Russian-speaking world, where VK and its subsidiary services are actively used, and that the company is talking about tens of millions of people whose interests are affected.

The Kremlin spokesman also said that the removal of Russian-developed applications calls into question the reliability of Apple's services. He said it raises questions about the reliability of the service and whether it can be trusted as a provider of commercial services.

Ministry's Accusations

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media said in a statement that it considers the removal of VK apps from the App Store to be a politically motivated decision. The ministry said it has not received a reasoned explanation from Apple regarding the existence of any sanctions-related requirements, and that based on findings received, including from US law firms, it confirms that there are no grounds for blocking VK apps.

The ministry described the removal of Russian apps from the App Store as an act of unfair competition aimed at protecting the interests of foreign platforms that are being displaced by Russian applications. It also said that Apple completely disregards the socially significant functions of the removed applications, which are used to inform, communicate with, and educate Russian citizens, including for issuing warnings about the risks of emergencies and incidents.

VK's Position

VK has emphasized that it has never been subject to sanctions nor appeared on sanctions lists, a fact confirmed by numerous legal opinions from international and US lawyers. The company clarified that official legal opinions and all necessary information have long been in Apple's possession. VK considers Apple's actions regarding Russian users to be completely unjustified and unacceptable in nature.

Russian Lawmakers' Criticism

Some Russian lawmakers have also weighed in. Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma's Committee on Information Policy, Information Technology, and Communications, told TASS that the removal of VK apps from the App Store is yet another act of digital discrimination against Russian citizens by Apple. Marina Kim, First Deputy Chair of the same committee, told TASS that Apple has forgotten about human rights, calling the company an "apple of shame."

Perspectives

Kremlin

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Apple's decision "strange" and said it affects tens of millions of Russian-speaking users worldwide. He demanded an explanation from Apple and warned that Russia may reconsider interaction with the company if no explanation is provided.

Russian Ministry of Digital Development

The ministry characterized the removal as "politically motivated" and "an act of unfair competition," stating there are no grounds for blocking VK apps and that Apple has not provided a reasoned explanation.

VK

VK stated that it has never been subject to sanctions and considers Apple's actions "completely unjustified and unacceptable," noting that its apps were removed without warning or explanation.