Google blocks YouTube channels connected to Sputnik, RT in Europe

​​​​​​​By Aysu Bicer

ANKARA (AA) - Google Europe on Tuesday said that it will block YouTube channels "connected to RT and Sputnik across Europe, effective immediately".

The move came amid harsh sanctions on Russia over its war on Ukraine.

In a statement on Twitter, the company said: "It’ll take time for our systems to fully ramp up. Our teams continue to monitor the situation around the clock to take swift action".

The Russia-Ukraine war entered its sixth day on Tuesday, with the latest reports indicating that Russian troops were heading toward the capital Kyiv.

Since Russia's war on Ukraine began last Thursday, it has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US implementing a range of economic sanctions against Russia.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen previously said the EU would ban state-run Russian media outlets, including Sputnik, RT and their subsidiaries.

Russia was further isolated after its planes were barred from flying in European and Canadian airspace, and a number of its banks were kicked out of the SWIFT international banking system.