Russia Warns No Chance for WhatsApp Return Without Compliance to Local Laws
WhatsApp has stated it will continue efforts to maintain connections for Russian users despite a full blockade of the messaging service in Russia. The Kremlin has warned that there is no prospect for resuming operations unless Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, engages in dialogue with Russian authorities and complies with local regulations.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, WhatsApp described the blocking by Russian authorities as a "step backwards" and affirmed it is doing everything possible to keep users connected. Recently, the domains whatsapp.com and web.whatsapp.com were removed from Russia's national domain name system, rendering access impossible via Russian IP addresses and requiring circumvention tools for use.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian presidency, told Gazeta.ru that WhatsApp could only resume activities if Meta initiates talks and adheres to Russian laws. Peskov stated that the company's current "inflexible and rigid" stance leaves "no chance" for the service to continue operating in Russia.
Meta has been designated an "extremist" entity in Russia, with its activities banned. Previously, access to Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as YouTube, has been restricted in similar fashion.
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