The European Union has added VK and the legal entity behind the MAX messenger to its sanctions list. Formally, the restrictions concern assets and funds within the EU, but the story already has a direct consequence for ordinary users: Apple removed MAX from the App Store first, and then all VK apps. Let’s break down what happened, who it affects, and what to do if the same thing happens on Android.
VK, OK, and MAX will almost certainly be removed from Google Play
Why VK and MAX Were Hit by EU Sanctions
The sanctions list includes the company VK itself and its structure responsible for both the social network and the national messenger. Whether the MAX messenger will be removed from Google Play is a question that concerns many, and its roots lie precisely in these restrictions.
According to sources, the list includes MKPAO “VK”, which owns VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, as well as the “Communication Platform” structure responsible for the operation and development of MAX. The European Union explained the decision by stating that VK is under the control of structures linked to the state, as well as the role of its services in the Russian information space.
The document separately mentioned the MAX messenger itself, its connection to VK, and its status as a national service. In addition to VK, three other companies were sanctioned:
- VAS Experts — a software developer for internet providers;
- “Norsi-Trans” — implementation of systems for operational investigative activities (SORM);
- “Citadel” — a company also specializing in SORM.
The practical meaning of the sanctions is: freezing of assets within the EU and a ban for EU citizens and organizations on providing these companies with money and other economic resources.
Why Apple Removed MAX and All VK Apps Due to Sanctions
The most tangible consequence for users is not the asset freeze, but the disappearance of apps from the store. On June 3, MAX was removed from the App Store, and media outlets linked this directly to the sanctions. The head of the Ministry of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev, stated that the ministry was negotiating with Apple to restore the app.
Then things got worse. On June 25, the VKontakte app disappeared from the App Store, along with all other VK LLC services. The removal included:
- VKontakte and Odnoklassniki;
- VK Music, VK Video, VK Video Live, VK Calls, VK Messenger;
- VK Dating, VK Play, VK Teams, Marusya;
- Mail Email, Mail Cloud, VK Mail, Zen, and Yula.
The removal caused a sharp reaction in the State Duma, and the Ministry of Digital Development filed a complaint against Apple with the FAS (Federal Antimonopoly Service). VK itself called the removal unmotivated and emphasized that the services continue to operate normally.
You can install the VK app on Android even without Google Play
What This Means for Android Users and Google Play
It’s important not to panic here. Not because MAX, VK, and OK won’t be removed from Google Play — they almost certainly will be. But because Android users have plenty of alternative sources.
The main takeaway from this Apple story is the mechanics of sanctions restrictions: Western companies are obligated to comply with EU and US government restrictions, and apps from a sanctioned company must disappear from the software store of a company like Google.
On Android, you can install an app without Google Play — via an installation file
But here Android has an important advantage over iPhone: apps can be installed not only from the official store.
What to Do if MAX and VK Apps Disappear from Google Play
If the apps disappear from Google Play one day, it won’t be a catastrophe — there are working options on Android. The steps are simple:
- Don’t delete the already installed app. Even after disappearing from the store, it usually continues to work.
- Check alternative stores: RuStore and Samsung’s Galaxy Store, where Russian services typically remain available.
- If necessary, install the app from the service’s official website, not from random sources.
- Allow installation from that source in your security settings when the system prompts you.
The main security rule: download installation files only from official websites. Sanctions stories always attract scammers who push infected versions of popular apps disguised as a “lifeline.”
iPhone owners will have a harder time: without the App Store, there’s no standard way to install a fresh version of removed apps, and they’ll have to wait for the outcome of the Ministry of Digital Development’s negotiations with Apple. Against this backdrop, Android looks more resilient precisely because of the ability to install apps bypassing the official store. It’s worth remembering that EU sanctions directly concern assets and funds in the European Union, while app availability is ultimately a decision made by the platforms themselves.
