Russia moved ahead to fully block WhatsApp in the country, Meta confirmed, aiming to push over 100 million users toward the Kremlin-promoted state-backed app MAX.

WhatsApp said in response: “Trying to isolate over 100M users from secure communication is a backwards step… We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”

Kremlin’s spokesperson Peskov said: ” Russia is open to dialogue and will unblock WhatsApp if Meta complies with Russian laws.