In Moscow on Monday, a Russian court fined Alphabet's Google 3.8 million roubles ($41,530) for hosting YouTube content that provided instructions for Russian soldiers on surrendering, as reported by Russia's TASS news agency.

For years, Russia has been directing foreign tech platforms to remove content it deems illegal, including what it calls "fakes" about the Ukraine war, imposing consistent fines for non-compliance.

Google has yet to respond to requests for comment via email.

Critics allege that Russian authorities intentionally disrupt YouTube download speeds to hinder access to content critical of President Vladimir Putin and his government.

Russia refutes this claim, attributing the issues to Google's equipment failure, a stance contested by the company and technology experts.

In December, Putin was accused by critics of being a tool manipulated by the U.S. government to gain political advantage.