Ukrainian Deputy PM Asks Apple To Block Russia On App Stores And Youtube Blocks Russian Propaganda

The Russian offensive has brought devastation to Ukraine. (photo; twitter @DmytroKuleba)

JAKARTA - Ukraine's deputy prime minister on Friday, February 25 urged Apple Inc boss Tim Cook to cut supply of its products and block Russia's access to the App Store.

Mykhailo Fedorov, who is also Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, tweeted a copy of a letter sent to Cook asking the iPhone maker to "stop supplying Apple services and products to the Russian Federation, including blocking access to the App Store."

I've contacted @tim_cook, Apple's CEO, to block the Apple Store for citizens of the Russian Federation, and to support the package of US government sanctions! If you agree to have the president-killer, then you will have to be satisfied with the only available site Russia 24. pic.twitter.com/b5dm78g2vS

— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 25, 2022

It's not just Elon Musk and Apple who are asking for help. Fedorov also asked Google for help to shut down a Youtube channel containing propaganda from Russia. They also turned to Netflix for the same.

While Apple has not responded to a request for comment from Reuters on this matter.

In addition to asking Tim Cook for help, Fedorov also asked Elon Musk, the owner of the Starlink internet network, to help restore the internet network in his country. Ukraine had experienced internet network disruptions due to the Russian attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, started a three-pronged invasion of Ukraine from the north, east and south last Thursday. This invasion was seen as an attack that threatened to overturn the post-Cold War European order.

"In 2022, modern technology may be the best answer for tanks, multiple rocket launchers (hrad) and missiles," Fedorov said.

Previously, Tim Cook had responded to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in a tweet on his Twitter account. Cook is very concerned about the condition, which immediately responded on his Twitter account.

"I am deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine. We are doing all we can for our team ... and will support local humanitarian efforts," Cook tweeted last Thursday.

I am deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine. We're doing all we can for our teams there and will be supporting local humanitarian efforts. I am thinking of the people who are right now in harm's way and joining all those calling for peace.

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 25, 2022

Fedorov also voiced support for US sanctions against Russia, to be effective immediately to hit the aggressor's economy.

Last Thursday, US President Joe Biden announced sweeping sanctions against Russia, cutting off major Russian banks and hitting access to global exports of goods from commercial electronics and computers to semiconductors and aircraft parts.