Instagram no longer accessible in Russia amid war with Ukraine

The popular social media app Instagram was no longer accessible in Russi from Monday after it appeared on a list of "restricted" online resources published by Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor.

The block follows similar steps taken by Moscow against Facebook and Twitter in early March as it aims to crackdown against criticisms of its invasion into Ukraine.

Instagram is the most used app among young Russians, but on Monday only those with a VPN could refresh the feed.

The social media platform also plays a key role for many small businesses that use it to advertise, conduct sales and communicate with clients.