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Russian developers are creating their own alternative to the Google Play Store

Sanctions mean Russian app developers can't get paid, but a local alternative to the Play Store is coming.
By

Published onMarch 30, 2022

Google Play Store 2021 1
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
TL;DR
  • A group of Russian developers have announced an alternative to the Play Store.
  • This will allow local developers to once again receive payments following sanctions against the country.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in a raft of sanctions hitting Moscow. Google has also taken action as a result, suspending Google Play Store and YouTube payments in Russia.

Now, an organization of Russian tech developers has announced an alternative to the Play Store called NashStore (‘OurStore’ in English), Reuters reported. This will be compatible with Russia’s Mir card payment system, allowing Russian app developers to receive payments.

“Unfortunately, Russians can no longer normally use Google Play to buy apps and developers have lost their source of income,” Vladimir Zykov, a representative of the Digital Platforms organization, told the newswire. “This is why we have created a Russian app shop, NashStore.”

Related: The best third-party app stores for Android

The new app store will be launched on Russia’s Victory Day on May 9, marking its victory during World War Two. It wouldn’t be the country’s first local app market though, as local tech giant Yandex previously offered the Yandex Store as an alternative Android app repository.

This also wouldn’t be the first time we see sanctions affecting the app store landscape in recent years. HUAWEI was denied access to the Google Play Store and other services following US sanctions in 2019, forcing the company to beef up its existing App Gallery store.

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