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Russian ministry calls removal of VK from App Store politically motivated decision

The removal of Russian apps from the App Store is an act of unfair competition aimed at protecting the interests of foreign platforms that are being displaced by Russian applications, the ministry noted

MOSCOW, June 25. /TASS/. The removal of VK apps from the App Store is a politically motivated decision; the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media has not received a reasoned explanation from Apple regarding the existence of sanctions-related requirements, the ministry said in a statement.

"The Ministry of Digital Development considers the removal of VK apps from the App Store to be a politically motivated decision. The ministry has not received a reasoned explanation from Apple regarding the existence of any sanctions-related requirements. Based on findings received, including those from US law firms, the ministry confirms that there are no grounds for blocking VK apps," the statement reads.

The removal of Russian apps from the App Store is an act of unfair competition aimed at protecting the interests of foreign platforms that are being displaced by Russian applications, the ministry noted.

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, the ministry added.

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