Microsoft stops hardware and software sales in Russia
Microsoft has stopped all new sales in Russia, the company announced on Friday. Microsoft also announced that it would be working with Ukrainian cybersecurity officials to help protect the country from Russian cyberattacks.
On Wednesday, Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called on game companies such as Microsoft and PlayStation to leave the Russian market and support the people of Ukraine. Along with Microsoft, several other companies, including CD Projekt Group and Bloober Team, have announced they will stop selling in Russia.
“Today we are announcing that we are suspending all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia,” said Brad Smith, president and vice president of Microsoft. “In addition, we are closely coordinating and working closely with the governments of the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, and we are shutting down many aspects of our business in Russia in accordance with government sanctions decisions.”
Microsoft also says it is working with its employees in Ukraine to keep them safe and is mobilizing its Microsoft Philanthropies and UN Affairs teams to provide additional support, in particular by protecting civilians from cyberattacks.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in late February when Russia launched an unprovoked attack on the country. Since the outbreak of hostilities, thousands of victimsincluding many civilianas well as almost a million civilians fled the country. The attack led to sanctions against Russia by many countries around the world. Large companies such as Shell, BPas well as an Apple also stopped working in the country along with entertainment companies such as Disney, Warner Bros. and Paramount.
