As the Russian invasion of Ukraine progresses, several businesses have announced that they would no longer provide services in the country. Everything from video games to iPhones can be more difficult to find in Russia as a result of this.
Apple and Microsoft both announced this week that they will no longer sell products in Russia. While the lawsuit proceeds, EA has stated that it would stop selling video games and other digital items. Other online businesses, such as Airbnb, are ceasing operations in Russia.
Tech companies have reacted in a variety of ways, including cracking down on disinformation and reducing the online presence of Russian state-owned media outlets like RT News and Sputnik News. In Russia, Google and Twitter have stopped marketing their products.
After months of growing tensions, highlighted by outraged remarks from Russian President Vladimir Putin and a buildup of Russian military near Ukraine’s borders, Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Financial sanctions have been placed on Russia by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, as well as sanctions directed directly against Putin.
Ukraine proclaimed independence in 1991 after spending much of the twentieth century as part of the Soviet Union. Since then, the country has grown closer to Western Europe and the United States.
Here’s a rundown of several Russian enterprises that have halted sales or are in the process of doing so:
Apple:
The tech giant has ceased selling its products in Russia and has halted online transactions, as well as banned Apple Pay in the country. In Ukraine, it has also blocked several Apple Maps features to protect civilians.
Microsoft:
The Windows manufacturer has halted sales of its products and services in Russia while vowing to improve its cybersecurity in Ukraine.
Google:
While users in Russia may still use Google’s search engine, the company’s advertising business has been halted in the country. This includes revenue from YouTube ads, Google searches, and all other sorts of Google-sponsored advertising. Some Google Maps features have also been banned, while the company does provide information on refugee resources for those escaping Ukraine.
Samsung:
As of Friday, Samsung’s shipments to Russia have been halted. “Shipments to Russia have been halted due to current geopolitical circumstances,” a Samsung spokeswoman explained. “We’re certainly keeping a close eye on this complex situation to evaluate what our next steps should be,” says the spokesperson.
TikTok:
In Russia, the short-form video app TikTok is halting live streaming and adding fresh content to its video service. The decision was made based on Russia’s recently passed “fake news” law, which penalises individuals who spread “false information” regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with up to 15 years in prison.
Snapchat:
The ephemeral-messaging service has banned all ad sales to Russian and Belarusian companies, even though its software remains active throughout the world as a communication tool.
Airbnb:
The room-rental website has halted operations in Russia and Belarus and announced that its charitable affiliate would supply 100,000 Ukrainian refugees with free short-term lodging. It has also eliminated host and guest fees for bookings in Ukraine since people from all over the globe use Airbnb to send money to Ukrainians by “paying but not staying,” as The Guardian put it.
Disney:
All theatre releases in Russia have been delayed, including the upcoming Pixar film Turning Red.
Sony:
The company has halted forthcoming theatrical releases in Russia, according to the company’s film studio. However, the PlayStation 5, Sony’s most popular gaming console, is still available. This comes despite mounting pressure on the company to halt sales of its gaming system in the country.
Warner Bros:
The film studio will not release The Batman in Russia as planned and may instead halt operations in the country.
Paramount:
Paramount, like the other studios on this list, will discontinue theatrical releases in Russia. This includes the impending Lost City as well as a Sonic the Hedgehog sequel.
Universal:
The film company may stifle releases in Russia, though it has yet to reveal which films would be affected.
Nintendo:
The online gaming company has put its Russian e-shop in maintenance mode, which means it is currently unavailable to Russian clients. Russian players are currently unable to purchase new video games using the site.
Electronic Arts:
The producer of popular video games, including the FIFA brand, has ceased advertising all content in Russia and Belarus. This includes video games, downloadable content, and digital currency. In addition, Russian national teams have been removed from all versions of EA’s soccer and hockey video games.
Netflix has halted all of its operations and acquisitions in Russia. Netflix has also declined to include state-run channels in its Russian offering.
BMW, Ford, GM, and Honda are some of the most well-known automobile manufacturers. Several manufacturers have reduced their presence in Russia. BMW will no longer produce automobiles in Kaliningrad and will no longer export to Russia. Ford is stopping operations in Russia “effective immediately and until further notice.” GM has chosen to exit the Russian market. Honda’s shipments to the nation have been suspended.
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