The Kremlin confirmed on Thursday that it had imposed a blockade YuanWhatsApp messaging service and said Russians should use a new state-supported platform called Max.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday: “Max is an easy-to-use alternative, a developing courier, a state courier. It can be used by citizens on the market.” RIA Novosti reports.

WhatsApp issued a statement earlier in the day saying that Russia was trying to “totally block” its messaging service in the country to force people to use Max, calling it a “surveillance app.”

“Today, the Russian government attempted to completely block WhatsApp in an effort to attract people to the state-owned surveillance app,” WhatsApp Posted on social media platform.

“Attempting to isolate more than 100 million users from private and secure communications is a step backwards and will only make the Russian people less safe,” the statement said, adding: “We will continue to do everything we can to keep our users connected.”

Russia’s latest moves against social media platforms and messaging services such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram come amid a broader attempt to push users toward domestic services such as Max that are easier to control and monitor.

Russia’s telecoms regulator Roskomnadzor accused messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp of failing to comply with Russian legislation requiring companies to store Russian users’ data domestically and failing to take steps to prevent their platforms from being used for suspected criminal or terrorist purposes.

It built on this by slowing or preventing its operations through restrictions that have been in effect since last year.

Critics say the overarching goals of Russia’s strategy are to restrict free speech and privacy, monitor and control speech about the war in Ukraine, and monitor any public criticism of the government and Russia’s armed forces. CNBC has contacted the Kremlin for further comment and is awaiting a response.

Telegram, founded by Russian developers but based in Dubai, has been a prime target of scrutiny and increasing restrictions by Roskomnadzor, with users reporting sluggish performance on the app since January. The Moscow Times pointed out This week. In August last year, the telecom regulator partially restricted Telegram and WhatsApp calls.

Roskomnadzor, formally known as the Federal Service for Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media, accused Telegram on Wednesday of failing to prevent illegal activity on the app, failing to protect user data and violating Russian law.

“In this regard, and in accordance with the decision of the authorized body, the Federal Energy Regulatory Service of Russia will continue to implement consecutive restrictive measures to ensure compliance with Russian legislation and ensure the protection of citizens,” said a statement reported by RBC News.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Roskomnadzor decided to slow down Telegram’s operations “because the company did not comply with the requirements of Russian legislation.”

“It’s a shame the company didn’t comply, but there is a law that must be followed,” Peskov told state news agency TASS.

Russia’s telecoms regulator said on Wednesday it was willing to cooperate with any domestic and foreign internet resources as long as it respected Russian laws and its citizens.