Technology companies around the world are leaving Russia.
Jakub Porzycki/Getty Images This story is part of the War in Ukraine, CNET’s coverage there, and the wider implications for the world.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, several companies have said they will stop selling goods and services in the country. This could make it difficult to get everything from video games to iPhones in Russia.
Apple and Microsoft said this week they would stop selling their products in Russia. Game maker EA has said it will stop selling games and other digital goods while the conflict continues. Other online services such as Airbnb are suspending their operations in Russia.
Tech companies have also responded in other ways, including fighting disinformation and reducing the online presence of Russian state media such as RT News and Sputnik News. Google and Twitter have suspended advertising in Russia.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 after months of rising tensions marked by angry speeches by Russian President Vladimir Putin and a Russian troop buildup along Ukraine’s borders. The US, EU and UK have imposed economic sanctions against Russia, including those directed directly at Putin.
Ukraine, which was part of the Soviet Union for much of the 20th century, declared its independence in 1991. Since then, the country has established closer ties with Western Europe and the US.
Here are some companies that have stopped sales or other services in Russia:
An Apple: The tech giant has stopped selling its products in Russia and is suspending online transactions, including restricting the use of Apple Pay in the country. In addition, some Apple Maps features have been disabled in Ukraine to protect civilians.
Microsoft: The Windows maker has suspended sales of its products and services in Russia, promising to strengthen its cybersecurity in Ukraine.
Google: While users in Russia can still use the Google search engine, the company has completely suspended its advertising business in the country. This includes revenue from advertising on YouTube, search, and all other forms of Google-sponsored marketing. Some features of Google Maps have also been disabled, although Google provides information on refugee resources for people fleeing Ukraine.
Samsung: Samsung has been suspending deliveries to Russia since Friday. “Due to current geopolitical events, deliveries to Russia have been suspended,” a Samsung spokesperson said. “We continue to actively monitor this complex situation to determine our next steps.”
Snapchat: The ephemeral messaging app has stopped all advertising sales to Russian and Belarusian entities, although its app continues to operate across the region as a communications tool.
Airbnb: The room rental service suspended all operations in Russia and Belarus and said its nonprofit subsidiary would provide free temporary housing to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. it’s the same waived host and guest fees for bookings in Ukraine, as people around the world use Airbnb as a way to generate income directly for Ukrainians, as The Guardian puts it, “paying but not stopping.”
Disney: The entertainment company has suspended all theatrical releases in Russia, including the upcoming Pixar film Turning Red.
Sony: The company’s film studio has suspended upcoming theatrical releases in Russia. But for now, the PlayStation 5, Sony’s popular game console, remains on sale. This comes despite growing pressure on the company to stop selling its gaming system in the country.
Warner Brazzers: The film studio will not release “Batman” in Russia as scheduled and will instead suspend work in the country.
The main thing: Like other film studios on this list, Paramount will suspend the distribution of films in Russia. This includes the upcoming Lost City as well as the sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog.
Universal: The film studio will also suspend the release of films in Russia, but has not yet announced which films will be suspended.
Nintendo: The video game company has currently put its Russian online store into maintenance mode, which means it is not available to Russian users. At the moment, Russian gamers cannot buy new games through the service.
Electronic Arts: The maker of popular video games, including the FIFA franchise, has stopped selling all content in Russia and Belarus. This includes games, additional content, and virtual currency. In addition, EA has removed the Russian national teams from all versions of its football and hockey video games.
Intel: The tech company has suspended all deliveries to customers in Russia and Belarus, including chips.
Netflix: The streaming giant has suspended all projects and acquisitions in Russia. In addition, Netflix refused to add state channels to its Russian service.
BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda: Several automakers have reduced their activities in Russia. BMW will stop local production in Kaliningrad and stop exporting to Russia. Ford is suspending operations in Russia “immediately until further notice.” GM suspends work in Russia. Honda has suspended exports there.