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Russia Attempts Full WhatsApp Block as Ukraine Launches Counter‑Attacks and Secures New Western Aid

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WhatsApp Block Implementation and Scope Russian government moved to block WhatsApp on Feb 11, targeting over 100 million users, after Meta refused to comply with Russian law, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the restriction will stay until compliance [1]. Roskomnadzor’s order removed WhatsApp Web from the national DNS, while the mobile app continues to function, allowing users to switch DNS providers to bypass the block [1]. The effort represents the latest in a series of digital restrictions aimed at limiting foreign communication platforms [1]. Officials warned that full service restoration depends on Meta’s legal adjustments [1].

Roskomnadzor DNS Purge of Western Services Roskomnadzor stripped dozens of Western sites from Russia’s state‑run DNS, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tor, BBC, RFE/RL, Deutsche Welle, Moscow Times, and multiple VPN services [1]. Traffic to these sites is now forced through state‑controlled DNS servers, effectively throttling access for domestic users [1]. Users can still reach the services by manually configuring alternative DNS resolvers, a workaround highlighted by opposition outlets [1]. The purge underscores Moscow’s broader strategy to isolate Russian internet users from foreign information sources [1].

Ukrainian Counter‑Attacks Near Dnipropetrovsk‑Zaporizhia Ukrainian forces launched localized counter‑attacks along the Dnipropetrovsk‑Zaporizhia border, with geolocated footage showing Russian strikes on static positions east of the Haichur River [1]. Analysts noted Ukraine is exploiting recent SpaceX Starlink terminal blocks and Telegram throttling to concentrate offensive operations in the region [1]. A senior NATO official credited the temporary Starlink restrictions for the recent Ukrainian gains, suggesting the communications disruption forced Russian forces to redeploy [1]. The attacks coincided with strikes on Russian military and industrial targets using FP‑5 Flamingo missiles and drones [1].

New Western Military Aid Packages The United Kingdom announced a £540 million aid package on Feb 13, allocating £150 million to the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List and £390 million for 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles [1]. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed the Netherlands will provide F‑16 flight simulators to speed pilot training for Ukrainian forces [1]. Both nations emphasized the aid’s role in strengthening Ukraine’s air‑defence capabilities amid intensified Russian attacks [1]. The assistance arrives as Ukraine reports the deadliest civilian year since 2022, with 2,919 deaths in 2025 [1].

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Timeline

Feb 2022 – Russia launches a full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, prompting a sweeping internet crackdown that later includes bans on major Western platforms and the creation of a state‑run DNS system [2].

2023 – Turkey bans Roblox over child‑safety concerns, and Singapore intensifies scrutiny after a self‑radicalised teenager joins an ISIS‑themed server on the platform [1].

2024 – Russian regulators block the messaging apps Signal and Viber, citing non‑compliance with Russian information‑dissemination laws [2].

Oct 10 2025 – Roskomnadzor blocks Snapchat, accusing it of facilitating terrorist recruitment, fraud and other crimes [2].

Nov 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files a lawsuit against Roblox, alleging the company ignored safety laws and deceived parents about risks to minors [1].

Dec 3 2025 – Roskomnadzor bans Roblox nationwide, stating the platform hosts “scenarios that simulate terrorist attacks, gambling, and LGBT material” classified as extremist, and raises child‑protection concerns [1].

Dec 2025 – Roblox announces it will cease all child‑adult chat features within the month to improve safety for its 8 million monthly Russian users [1].

Dec 4 2025 – Russia blocks Apple’s FaceTime and formally announces the earlier Snapchat ban, expanding its control over messaging services as part of the broader post‑invasion internet restrictions [2].

2025 – The Conflict Intelligence Team records 2025 as the deadliest year for Ukrainian civilians since 2022, with 2,919 deaths and 17,775 injuries, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the war [3].

Feb 11 2026 – Russia attempts a full block of Meta’s WhatsApp, affecting over 100 million users; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says the restriction will lift only after Meta complies with Russian law [3].

Feb 13 2026 – Roskomnadzor removes dozens of Western sites—including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, BBC, and VPN services—from Russia’s state‑run DNS, forcing traffic through a government‑controlled system [3].

Feb 13 2026 – Ukrainian forces launch localized counter‑attacks near the Dnipropetrovsk‑Zaporizhia border, striking Russian military and industrial targets with FP‑5 Flamingo missiles and drones, causing fires and secondary detonations [3].

Feb 13 2026 – The UK and the Netherlands pledge fresh military aid for Ukraine’s air defence, with Britain announcing a £540 million package and the Netherlands committing to send F‑16 flight simulators to accelerate pilot training [3].

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