In
a message posted on his Telegram channel, Denis Pushilin, head
of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), accused
Google of promoting "violence against all Russians" and said
that its "handlers from the U.S. government" were to blame.
"If Google stops pursuing its criminal policy and returns to the
mainstream of law, morality and common sense, there will be no
obstacles to its work," he said.
He did not provide evidence to support his assertions.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Since sending troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, Russia and its
proxies in eastern Ukraine have accused Western companies of
spreading anti-Russian propaganda and taking a one-sided stance
on the conflict.
Russia banned Facebook and Instagram in March after a court
found Facebook-owner Meta guilty of "extremist activity". Moscow
had already curbed access to Facebook for restricting Russian
media outlets' access to the platform.
The DPR and separate Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) followed
suit in blocking Facebook and Instagram, aligning themselves
with Russia's policy on the U.S.-based social networks.
(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
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