Russian internet company
UNITED24 Media Oct 18
Drone Strike Hits Russia’s VKontakte Data Center, Knocking Services Offline as St. Petersburg Faces Blackouts
united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/drone-strike-hits-russias-vkontakte-data-center-knocking-services-offline-as-st-petersburg-faces-blackouts-23551
A Ukrainian drone attack sparked major fires at oil facilities and industrial sites in Saint Petersburg on October 18, including the Saint Petersburg Oil ... Show more
Key FactsUkraine attacks Russia with more than 1,000 drones
1 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theglobeandmail.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theglobeandmail.com
- Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces destroyed 1,015 Ukrainian drones across 15 regions, annexed Crimea and the Black Sea.
- Zelensky said U.S.-Ukraine intelligence sharing had resumed after being interrupted for a period of time.
- In the week after Trump announced an energy ceasefire on October 11, Zelensky reported 76 Russian attacks on energy, oil and gas sectors.
- Lithuanian authorities reported a drone in the Pasvalys area; a moving car was damaged, and no injuries were reported.
We can’t compare me and Putin. He’s aggressor. He occupied us. He killed adults and children, his soldiers. He’s a terrorist. And that’s why I hope that President Trump will be very clear with this position.— Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President, remarks on NBC’s Meet the Press cited in The Globe and Mail article, condemning Putin and calling for a clear stance from Trump.
Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max can secretly change how it surveils individual users, researchers at InterSecLab find
meduza.io/en/feature/2026/09/24/russia-s-state-backed-messaging-app-max-can-secretly-change-how-it-surveils-individual-users-researchers-at-interseclab-find
Here’s what we know about Blink, Russia’s Gen Z location-sharing app that publicly attacks VK’s Max messenger but sends user data to the tech giant
meduza.io/en/feature/2026/09/07/here-s-what-we-know-about-blink-russia-s-gen-z-location-sharing-app-that-publicly-attacks-vk-s-max-messenger-but-sends-user-data-to-the-tech-giant
Russian tech giant VK wants Apple to pay $696,000 every day until its apps return to the App Store
techspot.com/news/113606-russian-tech-giant-vk-wants-apple-pay-696000.html
Russian tech company VK posted quarterly profit for first time in over three years
meduza.io/en/news/2026/08/14/russian-tech-company-vk-posted-quarterly-profit-for-first-time-in-over-three-years
Russian tech company VK sues Apple in Moscow court over removal of its apps from App Store
meduza.io/en/news/2026/08/21/russian-tech-companyvk-sues-apple-in-moscow-court-over-removal-of-its-apps-from-app-store
Russian mobile carriers to make access to Kremlin-backed Max messenger free: Russia’s four major mobile carriers — MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, and T2 — will stop ...
meduza.io/en/news/2026/07/31/russian-mobile-carriers-to-make-access-to-kremlin-backed-max-messenger-free
VK Fest apologizes to singer Dora after Spider-Man performer echoes stalking incident at her apartment
meduza.io/en/news/2026/07/21/vk-fest-apologizes-to-singer-dora-after-spider-man-performer-echoes-stalking-incident-at-her-apartment
Kick-off from Siegen to Kirchen: | "Peace Bike Tour" aims to make a statement: Starting in Siegen, rally in Kirchen: Why the German Peace Society is currently ...
siegener-zeitung.de/lokales/siegerland/auftakt-von-siegen-nach-kirchen-friedens-fahrradtour-will-zeichen-setzen-TWJUCYLSGVBSFO6JUBMHW563UE.html
EU sanctions Russian social network VK and Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max
meduza.io/en/news/2026/07/13/eu-sanctions-russian-social-network-vk-and-russia-s-state-backed-messaging-app-max
Google Play removes Max, Russia’s Kremlin-backed messenger, and VKontakte, VK’s flagship social network — three days after the EU sanctioned VK ...
meduza.io/en/news/2026/07/17/google-play-removes-max-russia-s-kremlin-backed-messenger-and-vkontakte-vk-s-flagship-social-network-three-days-after-the-eu-sanctioned-vk-their-parent-company
EU sanctions Russia's VK Company for helping expose Putin's critics: The EU has sanctioned VK Company for aiding the repression of critics of President Vladimir ...
euronews.com/my-europe/2026/07/13/eu-sanctions-russias-vk-company-for-helping-expose-putins-critics
VK Accuses Apple of Removing Apps From App Store: Russian tech company VK accused Apple on Thursday of removing its apps from the App Store ...
themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/25/vk-accuses-apple-of-removing-apps-from-app-store-a93094
Apple pulled VK's apps in Russia without warning, so the Kremlin is telling users to switch to Android
techspot.com/news/112936-apple-pulled-vk-apps-russia-without-warning-kremlin.html
Russia warns Apple over default search engines and missing Russian apps, giving company until July 15 to comply or face a fine of up to $52 million
meduza.io/en/news/2026/07/01/russia-warns-apple-over-default-search-engines-and-missing-russian-apps-giving-company-until-july-15-to-comply-or-face-a-fine-of-up-to-52-million
Russian military recruitment ad on VK used AI-generated image of Navalny: A Russian military contract recruitment post on the social network VK used ...
meduza.io/en/news/2026/06/29/russian-military-recruitment-ad-on-vk-used-ai-generated-image-of-navalny
After Apple yanks Max from App Store, VIPs still toast the Kremlin-linked messenger at SPIEF
meduza.io/en/news/2026/06/05/after-apple-yanks-max-from-app-store-vips-still-toast-the-kremlin-linked-messenger-at-spief
Apple removes Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max from App Store: The Kremlin-backed Max messenger disappeared from the App Store on June 3 ...
meduza.io/en/feature/2026/06/04/apple-removes-russia-s-state-backed-messaging-app-max-from-app-store
You already know Russia’s Max messenger spies on users. You probably don’t know just how many surveillance tools it hides ...
meduza.io/en/feature/2026/05/22/you-already-know-russia-s-max-messenger-spies-on-users-you-probably-don-t-know-just-how-many-surveillance-tools-it-hides-including-even-a-neural-network-for-eavesdropping
Report: St. Petersburg State University orders staff and students to use Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max
meduza.io/en/news/2026/05/22/report-st-petersburg-state-university-orders-staff-and-students-to-use-russia-s-state-backed-messaging-app-max
novayagazeta.eu May 17
Novel-related memes and fanart flooded Pinterest and VK, Russia’s version of Facebook. On TikTok alone, posts about Pioneer Summer have collectively garnered ... Show more
Report: Russian police arrest 16 men over queer dating group on Russian social network VK, charging them with ‘extremism’
meduza.io/en/news/2026/04/30/report-russian-police-arrest-16-men-over-queer-dating-group-on-russian-social-network-vk-charging-them-with-extremism
Kommersant reports Russia spent billions developing Russian social network VK’s video platform as it moves to designate it a ‘national’ service
meduza.io/en/news/2026/04/30/kommersant-reports-russia-spent-billions-developing-russian-social-network-vk-s-video-platform-as-it-moves-to-designate-it-a-national-service
I'm an 85-year-old CEO of a healthtech company; doesn't take a salary: Charlie Nahabedian is the CEO of VK Digital Health at age 85. He maintains an active and ...
businessinsider.com/85-year-old-ceo-healthtech-company-doesnt-take-salary-2026-4
Russian social network VK removes diabetes mutual aid section at internet regulator’s request
meduza.io/en/news/2026/04/21/russian-social-network-vk-removes-diabetes-mutual-aid-section-at-internet-regulator-s-request
Russia sees China's WeChat, Douyin as models for its homegrown Max messenger
thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/russia-sees-chinas-wechat-douyin-as-models-for-its-homegrown-max-messenger/article70840999.ece
‘Wake up already’: Internet disruptions and Telegram outages fuel growing anger among Russian users
meduza.io/en/feature/2026/03/18/wake-up-already-internet-disruptions-and-telegram-outages-fuel-growing-anger-among-russian-users
‘AI is a survival tool, not a productivity tool’: VK Mathews, Founder of IBS Software
financialexpress.com/business/news/ai-is-a-survival-tool-not-a-productivity-tool-vk-mathews-founder-of-ibs-software/4171751/
Russia’s ‘national messenger’ was billed as a platform for the people. It’s dominated by state-run channels.
meduza.io/en/feature/2026/02/19/russia-s-national-messenger-was-billed-as-a-platform-for-the-people-it-s-dominated-by-state-run-channels
novayagazeta.eu Feb 19
Zakharov said that although VK had a complex ownership structure, its accounts for the first half of 2025 showed that its shareholders included the insurance ... Show more
novayagazeta.eu Feb 19
A relative of Vladimir Putin owns a stake in the Russian tech giant VK, which in turn owns the new state-backed “everything app” MAX ... Show more
Rohit Pawar Seeks Ram Mohan Naidu's Removal from Post Till Crash Probe Ends: The legislator, who is the nephew of the late NCP leader Ajit Pawar ...
deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/rohit-pawar-seeks-ram-mohan-naidus-removal-from-post-till-crash-probe-ends-1938099
Turkey links Israeli spy cell to pager attack‑style supply chain infiltration: Security forces arrest two suspects accused of working for Israeli intelligence ...
middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-links-israeli-spy-cell-hezbollah-pager-attack-style-supply-chain-infiltration
Lens on Delhi-based charter firm after Baramati crash| India News: All five people aboard the Learjet 45 died on Wednesday when the aircraft crashed what ...
hindustantimes.com/india-news/lens-on-delhi-based-charter-firm-after-baramati-crash-101769629085337.html
A Dubai-based Russian businessman has spent the past two years quietly running a Hong Kong pipeline that delivers Western electronics to Russia’s weapons labs ... Show more
russian-businessman-hong-kong-pipeline: Ukrainian investigation traces Dubai-based Russian businessman's Hong Kong company that funnels Western electronics to ...
euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/10/russian-businessman-runs-hong-kong-pipeline-feeding-european-electronics-to-kremlins-weapons-labs/
Delhi 2010 lesson: Not-for-profit company to plan Ahmedabad 2030 Commonwealth Games
indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/delhi-2010-lesson-not-for-profit-company-to-plan-ahmedabad-2030-commonwealth-games-10393632/
Hot air balloon ride comes to Delhi! NDTV takes the first ride of this Hot Air Balloon. This Delhi Development Authority (DDA)'s initiative will be available ... Show more
The Delhi Development Authority launched a trial run of hot-air balloon rides at Baansera. Lt. Governor VK Saxena tested the ride, expressing satisfaction ... Show more
novayagazeta.eu Oct 13 25
Most polite Russian bear encountered in Kamchatka
The most polite bear in Russia has appeared in footage shared by the Kamchatka Animal Protection Service on ... Show more
Putin Has a New Tool to Monitor Russians: Russia is pushing a “super app” for citizens. What could possibly go wrong?
theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/10/russia-super-app-max/684524/
Holy data grab Meet Zosima, Russia’s Orthodox Christian messenger app no one asked for — Meduza
meduza.io/en/feature/2025/09/30/holy-data-grab
Kremlin-Mandated Messaging App Max Is Designed To Spy On Users: Security researchers found that Max, which Russia will require to be pre-installed on all phones ...
forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/08/26/kremlin-whatsapp-rival-is-designed-to-spy-on-users/
Russia enforces Max messenger app on all new devices: Russia is mandating the installation of its state-backed messenger app Max on all devices from September 1 ...
helsinkitimes.fi/world-int/27798-russia-enforces-max-messenger-app-on-all-new-devices.html
The Wiretap: Networks Of Foreign Scammers Are Extorting American Kids: Sextortion is killing American teenagers and often the scammers are part of sprawling ...
forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/08/26/the-wiretap-networks-of-foreign-scammers-are-extorting-american-kids/
The Kremlin on your smartphone: State-affiliated messenger Max pre-installed from September
derstandard.at/story/3000000284535/der-kreml-am-smartphone-staatsnaher-messenger-max-ab-september-vorinstalliert
Can The Kremlin Finally Get Russians To Stop Using YouTube? Not Yet.: Russian officials have spent years laying the groundwork for a “managed” Internet that ...
rferl.org/a/russia-kremlin-internet-youtube-apps/33483025.html
Is Russia about to ban WhatsApp? Putin orders crackdown on social media apps from 'unfriendly countries'
wionews.com/world/is-russia-about-to-ban-whatsapp-putin-orders-crackdown-on-social-media-apps-from-unfriendly-countries-1753009335811
Key FactsRussia Tightens Control on Foreign Messaging Apps
Jul 20, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: wionews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: wionews.com
- President Putin instructed the government to limit the use of foreign messaging apps from countries deemed unfriendly.
- WhatsApp remains one of the few Meta services still working in Russia but could be banned in 2025 if noncompliant.
- Telegram’s future is uncertain despite its strong Russian user base and claims of independence from authorities.
- Russia introduced Max, a domestic app mandated for all officials, which collects extensive user data linked to the government.
WhatsApp could face a ban in 2025 if it doesn’t follow Russian laws.— Russian Senator Artem Sheikin on the potential future of WhatsApp in Russia.
PKR MPs call for RCI on judiciary, fear new VK Lingam-esque scandal: UPDATED 10.27AM | They want the RCI to probe four key allegations of impropriety.
malaysiakini.com/news/748256
Paid articlePaywall Russian Lawmakers Authorize Creation Of National Messaging Service : Russian lawmakers took a major step toward the creation of a Russian “super app ...
rferl.org/a/russia-sovereign-internet-super-app-tech/33439093.html
Russian Stocks Tumble After Trump Calls Putin ‘Crazy,’ Threatens News Sanctions: Russia’s stock market fell more than 2% on Monday after U.S.
themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/26/russian-stocks-tumble-after-trump-calls-putin-crazy-threatens-news-sanctions-a89224
WIRED May 05 25
Security Researchers Warn a Widely Used Open Source Tool Poses a 'Persistent' Risk to the US
wired.com/story/easyjson-open-source-vk-ties/
Well-known carmaker announces radical step after Trump tariffs - | Expert: Others will follow
fr.de/wirtschaft/trump-zoelle-autobauer-verkuendet-radikalen-schritt-zr-93668908.html
How Russia killed its tech industry: The invasion of Ukraine supercharged the decline of the country’s already struggling tech sector—and undercut its biggest ...
technologyreview.com/2023/04/04/1070352/ukraine-war-russia-tech-industry-yandex-skolkovo/
Katrina Kaif's cute VK mehendi for husband Vicky Kaushal steals the spotlight at friend's wedding. See pics
hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/katrina-kaifs-cute-vk-mehendi-for-husband-vicky-kaushal-steals-the-spotlight-at-friends-wedding-see-pics-101745148473464.html
Job cuts at Mercedes: Car giant pays up to €500,000 for termination: The automotive industry is forced to cut costs and is cutting jobs. Mercedes-Benz now wants ...
fr.de/wirtschaft/mercedes-bis-zu-500-000-euro-abfindung-bei-freiwilliger-kuendigung-zr-93639629.html
Key FactsMercedes Offers High Severance Payments for Layoffs
Mar 21, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: auto-motor-und-sport.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: auto-motor-und-sport.de
- Mercedes-Benz aims to reduce staff through generous severance packages that can reach up to 500,000 euros.
- Voluntary employees can expect substantial severance payments within a limited timeframe from April to July 2024, with a team leader having 30 years of service potentially receiving over 500,000 euros.
- Key employees are excluded from this offer, and the severance program is expected to conclude by March 2026, while job security for 91,000 workers has been extended until the end of 2034.
- Severance payments are subject to income tax, resulting in significant amounts owed to the tax authorities.
Russia’s VK to Launch Copycat of China’s WeChat – Vedomosti: Russian tech giant VK plans to unveil a “super-app” this spring in hopes of eventually combining the ...
themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/25/russias-vk-to-launch-copycat-of-chinas-wechat-vedomosti-a88474
Top Putin aide's son investing in the West despite sanctions, media reports: Vladimir Kiriyenko, son of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Deputy Chief of ...
kyivindependent.com/top-putin-aides-son-investing-in-the-west-despite-sanctions-media-reports/
Son of Key Putin Aide Holds Western Investments Despite Sanctions: The son of a top Kremlin official continues to hold investments in the West despite being ...
themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/22/son-of-key-putin-aide-holds-western-investments-despite-sanctions-a87699
Russian Rutube app removed from Google Play - Euromaidan Press: Rutube, the Russian alternative to YouTube, is now only available for download in the United ...
euromaidanpress.com/2024/10/02/russian-rutube-app-removed-from-google-play/
