Russia has blocked the U.S.-based messaging app WhatsApp, the Kremlin announced Thursday, claiming the Meta-owned company failed to comply with local laws. "Due to Meta's unwillingness to comply with Russian law, such a decision was indeed taken and implemented," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov instead urged Russians to use MAX, the country's state-owned messaging app. "MAX is an accessible alternative, a developing messenger, a national messenger, and it is available on the market for citizens as an alternative," he said. foxbusiness.com