Topic
RuStore
Multiple Ozon Apps Removed from Google Play Following Sanctions on Ozon Bank
Policy & Regulation
Russia's FAS Opens Antitrust Case Against Apple for Failing to Pre-Install Domestic Software on iOS Devices
Policy & RegulationGoogle's Android Developer Verification Rollout: Implications for Russian Devices and MDM-Managed Phones
Policy & RegulationVK Apps Remain Downloadable in US Google Play Despite Removal in Russia and Turkey Amid Sanctions
The removal of VK services from Google Play has proven to be less global than initially reported, with applications still accessible to users whose Google accounts are registered in the United States region. Testing revealed a clear geographic pattern: the apps are unavailable in Russian and Turkish storefronts but remain fully visible and installable under the American region. The services disappeared from the store on July 16, prompting VK to confirm that already installed applications will continue functioning without restrictions and directing users to alternative stores such as RuStore. The exact cause of the regional discrepancy remains unclear and may relate to Google Play configuration settings, ongoing sanctions against Russia, distribution policies, or simple catalog synchronization delays. In a related development, VK users have begun receiving notifications urging them to switch to the vk.ru domain, which the company states offers superior speed and reliability and will now serve as the primary address.
VK Sells 100% of RuStore to CEO Dmitry Pankrushev, Transferring Full Control to Management Team
VK has reached an agreement to sell its entire stake in the Russian Android app store RuStore to the company's own general director, Dmitry Pankrushev. The transaction moves RuStore out of direct corporate control by VK and places it under the leadership of the team that has been managing its day-to-day operations. No financial details, including the purchase price or payment structure, have been disclosed. VK described RuStore as Russia's single point of access to essential Android services and as a key platform supporting local application developers. After the deal closes, the existing team has committed to continuing regular updates, expanding features, and maintaining stable service for users. On the surface, end-users should notice no immediate changes in availability or functionality, yet the shift represents a significant structural change for one of Russia's most important alternative app marketplaces.
VK and MAX Apps Removed from Google Play Store Amid EU Sanctions on Russian Company
VK and its national messenger MAX have been removed from the Google Play Store following the European Union's decision to add the parent company to its sanctions list. The company confirmed that the apps are no longer available for new downloads or updates through Google, but existing installations continue to function normally with full access to messaging, calls, events, and push notifications. Users can obtain updates and new installations through alternative Android stores including RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps, or receive in-app update prompts when new versions become available. The removal comes shortly after similar apps such as Dzen and VK Video disappeared from the Apple App Store last month. Although the exact reasons were not disclosed in VK's statement, the sanctions were triggered specifically by the development of the MAX messenger as a national platform. This development highlights how regulatory actions are reshaping app distribution channels for Russian digital services, positioning RuStore as a primary rather than backup marketplace.