The study employs a mixed-method approach: (1) reverse-engineering of the app’s API structure (v. 8.0+), (2) comparative analysis with WeChat and Telegram, and (3) financial data from VK Co. (LSE: VKQ, MOEX).

"VK App: From 'Russian Facebook' to a Super-App Ecosystem – Architecture, Monetization, and Resilience Under Sanctions" Abstract (for the paper): Objective: This paper analyzes the technological evolution and strategic pivoting of the VK mobile application, Russia’s most dominant social networking platform. It examines how VK transitioned from a Facebook clone (2006) into a closed-loop "super-app" (payments, taxi, jobs, maps, music) amidst increasing geopolitical isolation and iOS/Android store restrictions.