Russia / Getty image

Russia has “attempted to fully block” WhatsApp in the country, the company said, as the Kremlin continues to tighten restrictions on messaging apps while the the regulator is pushing for a state-developed app as an alternative to WhatsApp.

BBC reports that Meta-owned WhatsApp said the move aimed to push more than 100 million of its app users in Russia to a “state-owned surveillance app”.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Meta could resume operations if it “complies with [the law] and enters into dialogue”, but stood “no chance” if it refused.

Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor said earlier this week it was further curbing access to messaging app Telegram as well, citing a lack of security.

Telegram is highly popular in Russia and widely used by its forces in Ukraine.

Pro-war bloggers have complained that the move was hampering communications on the ground.Russia has argued that both WhatsApp and Telegram have refused to store Russian users’ data in the country as required by law.

WhatsApp said it was doing everything it could to keep people connected.

“Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” it said in a statement.

Dr. Ron Kenoly, the celebrated American gospel singer, worship leader, and songwriter whose powerful anthems have inspired millions worldwide, has passed away at the age of 81.

Kenoly, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of contemporary praise and worship music, was best known for timeless classics such as “Ancient of Days,” “Lift Him Up,” “Sing Out,” “As for Me and My House,” “I Will Come and Bow Down,” and “Jesus Is Alive.” His music, characterized by joyful, exuberant praise and a deep focus on God’s manifest presence, became staples in churches, conferences, and worship gatherings across denominations and continents.

Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly served in the United States Air Force before transitioning into full-time ministry. He served as a music pastor and later earned a Doctorate in Ministry of Sacred Music in 1996. His breakthrough came through recordings with Integrity Music in the 1990s, which propelled his ministry to global prominence.

Over the course of his career, Kenoly toured extensively, ministering in more than 120 nations and recording numerous live worship albums that captured the energy and spiritual intensity of his live sessions. His work influenced generations of worship leaders, choirs, and congregations, helping shape modern gospel and praise music.

No official cause of death has been released at this time. Further details and statements are expected from his family or representatives in the coming days.

Ron Kenoly’s legacy endures through his enduring catalog of songs that continue to uplift and draw believers into worship around the world.

•Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President

The South African government on Friday declared Mr Ariel Seidman, the chargé d’affaires of the Israeli Embassy, unwelcome and ordered him out of the country within 72 hours, for what it called repeated violations of diplomatic norms, including insulting President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The South African foreign ministry accused Ariel Seidman of “unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice which pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty”.

“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks” on Ramaphosa, as well as a “deliberate failure” to notify the South African authorities about visits by senior Israeli officials.

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Israel have been strained since South Africa brought a genocide case over Israel’s actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice. Israel has rejected the case as baseless.

South African lawmakers in 2023 voted in favour of closing down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspending all diplomatic relations over the war in Gaza, but that decision was never implemented.