Apple App Store Pulls Russian Social Network VKontakte

Apple pulling Russian social media platform VK, long known as VKontakte, from the App Store means users who already have the application on their iPhones will no longer get security or performance updates. Olga MALTSEVA AFP

Apple on Wednesday confirmed that it removed popular Russian social network VKontakte from its App Store globally due to sanctions imposed by Britain.

The British government on Monday sanctioned 92 Russian individuals and entities after President Vladimir Putin's regime held referendums in Moscow-controlled areas of Ukraine -- denounced by Kyiv and its allies as a "sham" -- and stepped up threats against the West, AFP said.