Due to UK Sanctions against Ukraine's Fake Referendums, Apple withdrew VK and Mail.ru from the App Store

VK is the largest social media network in Russia.

The Verge has reported that Russia has taken away all iOS apps from VK, the country's second-largest digital company. This includes additional services like Mail.ru and VK Music in addition to the fifth-most popular social media app in Russia, VK. In reaction to UK sanctions placed on the Russian government, the action was taken.

According to a (Google translated) press release, VK stated that "certain VK applications are restricted by Apple, therefore they are not available for download and update in the App Store." "There can be issues with notifications and payments, but their essential operation will be well-known and reliable. VK will keep creating and supporting iOS applications."

These app publishers are selling their products under the predominant ownership or control of one or more organizations authorized by the UK government. These apps' developer accounts were terminated by Apple in compliance with these sanctions, and they are no longer available for download from any App Store, anywhere in the world.

Apple acknowledged taking down the apps and terminating VK's developer accounts. According to a spokeswoman,

"These apps are being distributed by developers majority-owned or majority-controlled by one or more parties sanctioned by the UK government." "These apps' developer accounts were terminated by Apple in compliance with these sanctions, and they are no longer available for download from any App Store, anywhere in the world. These applications may still be used by users who have already downloaded them."

The fake referendums organized in Ukraine prompted the UK government to impose penalties on Russian oligarchs earlier this week. Executives from Gazprombank, a Russian bank with connections to VK, are on the list. James Cleverly, the UK's foreign minister, said in a statement that "today's sanctions will target those behind these fraudulent votes, as well as the individuals that continue to support the Russian regime's war of aggression."

Russian official media outlet RT was informed by the Ministry of Digital Affairs that an investigation into the removal's causes is ongoing. The apps are still accessible on Google Play; Engadget has contacted Google to inquire about its intentions with regard to Apple's move.

In response to the invasion of Ukraine, Apple stopped selling all of its goods in Russia earlier this year. In addition, Apple limited Apple Pay and removed its apps from RT and Sputnik. The pre-installation of Russian apps like VK and Yandex on smartphones sold in Russia was mandated by law last year, and manufacturers like Samsung, Apple, and others had to comply.