The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has reportedly added Meta spokesperson Andy Stone to its wanted list under a criminal article, according to state-owned news agency Tass, citing the ministry's database. The reason for Stone being added to the list was not disclosed in the reports.
In 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow officially designated Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), as a "terrorist and extremist" organization. As a result, these platforms were banned in Russia and are only accessible through virtual private networks (VPNs).
Earlier in March 2022, the Russian investigative committee opened a criminal case on calls for violence and murder against Russians in connection with the actions of Meta employees.
The latest development comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia launching a significant drone attack in Kiev. The Ukrainian air defense reportedly destroyed a substantial number of drones, but the attack disrupted electricity supply to residential buildings and institutions in the area, causing injuries to several individuals.
(With Agency Inputs)
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