Russia Planning Launch Of Alternative To Google Play

Russian tech developers have begun developing what is to be an alternative to Google’s Play store with plans to launch it on May 9, a Russian national holiday that celebrates the country’s victory in World War Two.

YouTube and Google Play this month suspended all payment-based services in Russia, including subscriptions, as Western sanctions over Russia’s actions in Ukraine started to pose banking challenges in the country.

The Director of projects at Digital Platforms, an organization focused on digital development said “Unfortunately, Russians can no longer normally use Google Play to buy apps and developers have lost their source of income,”

“This is why we have created a Russian app shop, NashStore,” Zykov said.

NashStore, which translates into English as “OurStore”, will serve Android mobile devices and should ultimately be compatible with Russian Mir bank cards, Zykov’s statement said.

Russia traditionally holds a patriotic display of military power on May 9 with a parade that passes through Moscow’s Red Square commemorating the anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.