Russia’s communications regulator demanded an explanation from Apple on Wednesday after Russian state-owned tech company VK’s apps were removed from the US company’s App Store.

Roskomnadzor has already fined foreign tech companies for data storage violations and for failing to remove content Russia deems illegal, disputes that have escalated since Moscow sent its armed forces into Ukraine in February, Reuters and Agerpres reported.

VK operates Vkontakte, which has more than 75 million monthly users and is Russia’s largest social network, often compared to Facebook. In addition to the VK Mail.ru mail service, Vkontakte must be pre-installed on mobile devices sold in Russia.

Roskomnadzor said that Apple’s actions deprived millions of Russians of access to VK applications and asked for an explanation of its decision.

Apple did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

“The department considers unacceptable such discriminatory restrictions that violate the right of Russian Internet users to freely receive information and communicate,” the Roskomnadzor statement said.

Recently, VK has strengthened its control over the Russian Internet space

However, Russia itself has limited its citizens’ access to information, forcing the closure of all important independent Russian media and blocking American social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, Reuters reminds.

This month, VK increased its influence in the Russian Internet space by closing a deal to buy competitor Yandex’s news feed, content platform Zen and homepage yandex.ru.

VK said on Tuesday that its apps, including Vkontakte, which are already installed on smartphones, continue to work and that they continue to develop and support apps for Apple’s iOS operating system.

• Read also: The Kremlin increased its control over the media after buying Russian Google

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