United Kingdom, Feb. 13 -- Russia has tried to "fully block" WhatsApp, according to the Meta-owned company.

The messaging app claims that Moscow is trying to push users towards its own state-sponsored communications app, Max, although it did not disclose any details on what action was taken to block the app or to what extent it was successful.

A WhatsApp spokesperson told The Guardian newspaper: "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. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected."

The move fits into Russia's plans to achieve a "sovereign internet" - an online space that is cut off from Western technology and...