Kremlin defends app shutdown as necessary despite inconvenience to citizens

Russia's sweeping restrictions on apps and the internet are being met with cautious but growing criticism. A press conference on Tuesday indicated that restrictions may be lifted.

"It is clear that the restrictions on the Internet cause inconvenience to many citizens. The measures are necessary," said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman.

As soon as the need for these measures disappears, business will naturally resume, Peskov said.

Russian authorities accuse messaging services of failing to comply with Russian law - including the country's repressive anti-war laws.