The decision to promote MAX comes as Moscow is seeking greater control over the internet space as it is locked in a standoff with the West over Ukraine.
Read More Russia orders state-backed MAX messenger app, a WhatsApp rival, pre-installed on phones and tablets
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the release of a United States citizen that was imprisoned in Belarus.
Read More Rubio: Belarus Releases Imprisoned U.S. Citizen
Single-family homebuilding increased to a 10-month high in December, indicating that construction activity regained some momentum at the end of the year.
Read More US single-family housing starts, permits rise to 10-month high
A historic prisoner exchange between the west and Russia on Thursday was supposed to include the now-deceased Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny.
Read More National Security Advisor: Swap Between West And Russia Initially Included Now-Deceased Russian Opposition Leader Navalny