Full Breakdown
Apple Removes VK Apps, Kremlin Demands Explanation
6/26/2026, 8:58:53 AM
Apple Removes VK Apps from App Store
On June 25 2026, Apple removed all VK applications from its App Store, including VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, VK Video, VK Music, VK Messenger, Mail.ru, Yula and Zen. The apps disappeared without prior notice, VK said.
Context of the Removal
Since the 2022 Ukraine conflict, Russia has limited foreign tech services and promoted domestic alternatives such as the state-backed messenger MAX on devices sold locally. VK is not on any Western sanctions list, though its chief executive Vladimir Kiriyenko is sanctioned by the EU, UK and US. Apple said the deletions were needed to comply with sanctions.
Key Parties
Key parties are Apple Inc.; VK, Russia’s largest domestic social-media platform; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov; VK CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko; and Rostelecom head Mikhail Oseevsky.
Scale of Impact
VK’s video-hosting service logged 42.2 million daily users in January, showing tens of millions rely on the removed services for social networking, messaging, video, email and education.
Official Statements & Responses
Apple said the removals were required to meet sanctions in the jurisdictions where it operates. VK called the action “unjustified and unacceptable,” noting it has never been sanctioned and that the deletions block Russian users from everyday services. The Kremlin, through Dmitry Peskov, demanded an explanation and warned that a lack of response could trigger a reassessment of cooperation.
Criticism & Opposition
Mikhail Oseevsky called Apple’s move “hostile conduct” and an “outright unfriendly act,” noting it clashes with the rollout of MAX. Google Play has also removed Russian apps such as Kaspersky antivirus and some bank apps, citing sanctions, underscoring a broader pattern of Western platform restrictions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Apple has not replied beyond its generic compliance claim, leaving the legal basis for the VK deletions unclear. VK says it has provided legal memoranda confirming its non-sanctioned status; the Kremlin’s stance suggests possible punitive steps if explanations are not given.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Through its actions, Apple is restricting Russian users' access to popular services used by tens of millions of people every day: social networks, messaging apps, video platforms, email and educational products,” — VK, spokesperson
- “We consider these actions by Apple towards Russian users to be completely unjustified and unacceptable.” — VK, spokesperson
- “If such explanations are not provided, we will need to draw conclusions accordingly regarding the continuation of any cooperation with this company,” — Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman
- “We are talking about tens of millions of people whose interests are affected by such decisions of Apple Inc.” — Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman
- “against the backdrop of MAX's ongoing rollout, this move is clearly an outright unfriendly act.” — Mikhail Oseevsky, head of Rostelecom
Outlook
The Kremlin said it will first seek explanations before deciding on further interaction with Apple. Peskov noted that Russians frustrated by Apple’s decision could switch to Android devices, where VK’s apps remain, and that Moscow may further restrict iOS distribution or expand domestic alternatives.
