Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
VK users report problems sending messages and loading media
VK users in Russia reported widespread service problems on October 18.
People said they could not access the site or their profiles, send messages, or load photos and videos.
Monitoring services recorded about 1,000 to 1,200 complaints in an hour, with reports concentrated in St Petersburg and also coming from Moscow and other regions.
Some users said the website failed on computers while the mobile app still worked.
The cause has not been confirmed, though one report suggested the problems might be linked to attempted attacks in St Petersburg and the Leningrad region.
VK had not publicly commented at the time of publication, and a response to a media inquiry was still pending.
VK users reported problems accessing the social network on 18 October, including failed messages and media that would not load.
Reports also described feeds and profiles failing to open and difficulties signing in.
Downdetector recorded a sharp rise in complaints after 3 a.m., while other monitoring figures varied by service and reporting period.
The largest reported share of complaints came from St Petersburg.
A possible link to attempted attacks on St Petersburg and the Leningrad Region was suggested, but had not been officially confirmed.
- Who
- VK users reported the problems.
- What
- Users said they could not send messages or load media, and some could not access the site or their profiles.
- When
- 18 October 2026. Reports rose sharply after 3 a.m., according to Downdetector.
- Where
- Reports came from across Russia, with St Petersburg prominent.
- Why
- Not stated. One report suggested a possible link to attempted attacks on St Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, without official confirmation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Downdetector recorded a sharp rise in reports of problems accessing VK.
Users in Russia reported that messages would not send and media would not load.
- Date
- 18 October 2026
- Reported locations
- St Petersburg, Moscow, Leningrad Region, Samara Region and Khabarovsk Territory
- Detector404, past hour
- About 1,200 complaints
- Detector404, past 24 hours
- 1,800 complaints
- Detector404 device breakdown
- Windows 58.6%; Android 20.2%; iOS 17.7%
3 sources
What people are saying
VK, apparently, has gone down. I can’t get into my account on my computer. It loads badly on my phone too.
VKontakte isn’t working. It’s impossible to send a message. Photos and videos won’t load.
The feed won’t load.
I can’t call or message anyone.