Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin indicated that a domestic alternative to the App Store and Google Play should be created, as reported by TASS. He warned that state control could eventually restrict app downloads from abroad in Russia.
“I’m inviting developers, programmers, and IT professionals to help build our own ecosystem. We have the resources to do this. The ecosystem will need improvements, but within the State Duma we must advance a national online store,” the prime minister stated during his annual government report.
Mishustin reminded audiences that the Ministry of Digital Development is actively pursuing a Russian online app store for Android.
“A substitute store was promised for the summer, and I am personally ensuring progress on this project,” he said.
He noted that Russian developers would gain the ability to publish and further develop applications through this store. The Prime Minister also emphasized that authorities are creating favorable conditions for IT specialists to work in Russia.
“There is no reason to fear or doubt this effort. Everything will be stable and trustworthy, enabling people to work for their country, their company, earn a decent income, and live comfortably here.”
Earlier, tens of thousands of IT professionals left Russia, concerned about the Ukraine situation and sanctions affecting the tech sector.
Launch on Victory Day
Vladimir Zykov, the developer behind the Russian analogue to Google Play, NashStore, spoke with socialbites.ca and expressed optimism regarding Mishustin’s remarks. The launch of NashStore was tentatively planned for May 9, Victory Day.
Zykov also stated that the company stands ready to build a Google Play-style platform should Russians encounter issues with the official store.
“To be candid, I’m not fully aware of every alternative store, but I hope Mishustin is referring to NashStore. At present, there is no government funding for the project. If problems arise, we are prepared to create the App Store analogue. For now, the outlook is positive. During discussions, the head of the Ministry of Digital Development mentioned ongoing dialogue with Apple, while Google presents more challenges, so we are actively working on a solution. If Apple presents trouble, we will consider an App Store alternative. We know how to proceed,” he remarked.
Zykov added that the timeline for NashStore’s Android rollout remains unchanged, with the possibility of users accessing the store by May 9.
“We are cautiously optimistic about our projections. Nothing has collapsed yet, and timelines have not shifted. The development process is intricate and can change at any moment. Still, we are hopeful about the dates we announced,” he concluded.
Sanctions in Action
At the end of February, several banks saw their applications disappear from App Store and Google Play, including VTB, Promsvyazbank, Sovcombank, Open Joint Stock Company, and NovoBank, all under full sanctions that block their assets in the U.S. financial system.
Previously installed apps retained their functional capabilities.
On April 6, the United States added Sberbank and Alfa-Bank to the SDN list, meaning their assets in the U.S. system are blocked and American citizens are prohibited from transacting with them.
Sberbank and Alfa-Bank responded to the possible removal of their apps from the two app stores by outlining measures already taken by the banks. A Sberbank press release noted that installed apps will continue to work, and the mobile version will be adapted for phones and tablets.
Alfa-Bank advised users to update to the latest app version, available in both stores. A bank spokesperson stated that transfers are processed instantly and payments with Visa, Mastercard, and Mir cards function in Russia without restrictions. If the app is removed from the app stores, users can still access it through other channels, a plan already prepared by the bank.