Zaporozhye region
Vladimir Rogov told RIA Novosti that Google may soon face blockage in the Zaporozhye region. He argued that the search engine has slowed its operations and accused the company of spreading disinformation and engaging in violent propaganda. Rogov claimed that such actions dehumanize residents in liberated areas and warned that a similar fate could follow if policies do not change. According to him, regional authorities have already blocked YouTube, Twitter, and other social networks restricted in Russia, as well as video hosting platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, which he described as extremist organizations linked to Meta. Officials in the Zaporozhye region said these platforms disseminate disinformation, manipulate political sentiment, and fail to provide balanced avenues for expression.
LC
On July 21, the head of the Lugansk People’s Republic, Leonid Pasechnik, accused Google of promoting terrorism and extremism on its Telegram channel. He described the war not only as missiles striking cities but as a wave of fraud and disinformation launched by Ukraine. He likened Western Internet platforms to multipurpose weapons, intended for informational purposes only. Pasechnik asserted that Google has become the main tool for spreading fake and extremist content, arguing that fines and court orders have little effect on the company. He claimed the company pursues targeted terrorism and extremist propaganda and fails to reflect the interests of users in the LPR.
“We do not need such input from Ukraine or the West. We can manage without Google. If they improve and start respecting people, we will consider returning”, Pasechnik said. A short time later, reports emerged of slowed Google performance in the LPR.
DNR
On July 22, Donetsk People’s Republic leader Denis Pushilin announced via Telegram that Google would be blocked in the DPR on account of promoting terrorism and violence against Donbass residents. He stated that Russia and the DPR leadership have taken steps to ensure security and protection for Donbass inhabitants. Pushilin criticized the West and Ukraine for applying unprecedented pressure and described it as a threat to physical and psychological security. He argued that this is how the West seeks to intimidate the DPR population and erode morale. Pushilin condemned what he called inhumane propaganda and lies from Ukraine and the West and asserted that Google, as a leading information technology platform, promotes terrorism and violence with orders from U.S. curators.
He believed the situation could no longer be tolerated and that the republican authorities decided to block Google across the DPR. He likened the move to isolating criminals in any society, arguing that if Google ceases its alleged crime policy and returns to lawful conduct, there would be no barriers to its operation.
Kherson region
On July 22, Google, YouTube, and Viber were also blocked in the Kherson region. Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the regional administration, stated that the search engine was blocked as part of measures against information terrorism. He explained that the block followed his request, aligning it with actions against YouTube and Viber. He accused these platforms of being used by Ukrainian officials and their Western backers as harmful information hubs that act as elements of information terrorism.