Netflix suspends streaming in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine
Netflix has suspended its streaming platform in Russia. New Russian accounts will not sign up, and existing customers’ subscriptions will be canceled during the next billing cycle. “Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia,” a Netflix spokesperson told Polygon.
In late February, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine. Over the past weeks, Russian troops have entered the country as widespread fighting and bombing continues. There were thousands of victims, including hundreds of civilians. Over a million refugees fled from Ukrainewhile many others are still trying to escape.
A few weeks later, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Mikhail Fedorov urged technology companies such as Netflix, Sony, and Microsoft to bring the business out of the country. Netflix joins a growing number of companies imposing sanctions on Russia. Electronic Arts removed the Russian and Belarusian teams from both FIFA 22 and NHL 22 and suspended sales of all its products in these countries. Microsoft, Apple, and dozens of others have taken their businesses from Russia and Belarus.
“We are confident that such actions will motivate the citizens of Russia to stop the shameful military aggression actively,” Fedorov said in an open letter published last week.
