New Delhi: In a bid to further isolate Russia from the global arena, many multinational corporations (MNCs) have pulled the plug on their news, entertainment, and online social networking sites in the country. The process has gained momentum after Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The Russian government, in response, has squashed several media outlets and social networking sites.
Netflix and Tiktok were the two latest companies which suspended operations in Russia on Sunday as the government cracks down on what people and media outlets can say about the conflict in Ukraine, news agency AP reported.
The list is growing longer as MNCs have cut off Russia from vital financial services, technology ,and a variety of consumer products as global outrage grew louder over the invasion of Ukraine. In response, the Russian government has also blocked certain MNCs in the country on the grounds of spreading ‘misinformation’ and ‘fake’ news. Kremlin on Friday signed a law that criminalises the intentional spreading of what Moscow deems to be “fake” reports and blocked Facebook and Twitter, according to reports. Here is a list of companies and associations that have banned their services/products or exited Russia so far.
Access to Facebook in Russia has been blocked in retaliation. Roskomnadzor, the Russian state communications regulator, said it had restricted access to Twitter.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express
US credit card companies Visa, Mastercard, and American Express all said over the weekend they would cut service in Russia.
Samsung Electronics
South Korean major Samsung Electronics, a leading supplier of both smartphones and computer chips, said it would stop product shipments to Russia.
Google, Twitter
Google has completely suspended its advertising business in the country. This includes ad revenue from YouTube, search and all other forms of Google-sponsored marketing. However, Russian users can still use Google’s search engine. The company said Google Maps features have also been disabled, though Google provides info on refugee resources for people fleeing Ukraine. Twitter's access has been restricted.
Apple, Microsoft, Intel, Dell
World’s big tech companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Intel, and Dell have said they will stop sales of products and services in the country. This could make everything from video games to iPhones harder to get in Russia. Apple additionally disabled some Apple Maps features in Ukraine to protect civilians.
BMW, Ford, GM, Honda
Leading automakers have scaled back their operations in Russia. BMW will stop local production in Kaliningrad and halt exports to Russia. Ford is suspending its operations in Russia ‘effective immediately, until further notice’. GM is suspending business in Russia, while Honda has suspended exports.
Airbnb
Online hospitality major Airbnb has also suspended its operations in Russia.
KPMG & PricewaterhouseCoopers
Two of the so-called Big Four accounting firms on Sunday said they were cutting ties to Russia. KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers both would end their relationships with their Russia-based member companies, each of which employs thousands of people.
Snapchat
The ephemeral-message app has stopped all ad sales to Russian and Belarusian entities, though its app remains live throughout the region as a communication tool.
BBC News, Deutsche Welle
Russia has begun to increasingly block global news outlets such as BBC News, Deutsche Welle, and RFE/RL (including Current Time). These actions are intended primarily to curtail the dissemination of information that does not align with the Russia's official positions regarding its invasion of Ukraine.
Disney
The company has halted all theatrical releases in Russia, including upcoming Pixar film Turning Red.
Sony
The company’s movie studio has stopped upcoming theatrical releases in Russia. But so far the PlayStation 5, Sony's popular gaming console, remains on sale. This comes despite increasing pressure for the company to cease sales of its gaming system in the country.
Warner Bros
The movie studio won't release The Batman in Russia as scheduled and will instead pause operations in the country.
Paramount
Paramount will halt theatrical releases in Russia. This includes the upcoming Lost City, as well as a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog.
Universal
The movie studio will also suspend releases in Russia, though it has yet to announce the specific films that will be withheld.
Nintendo
The video game company has currently placed its Russian e-shop in maintenance mode, meaning it's unavailable for Russian users. As of now, Russian gamers are locked out of purchasing 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, add-on content and virtual currency. Additionally, EA has removed Russian national teams from all versions of its soccer and hockey video games.
H&M
H&M said that it would temporarily suspend all sales in Russia and shut more than 150 stores.
Puma
Puma has suspended deliveries to Russia but its 100 stores in the country still remain operational.
IKEA
Swedish furniture giant IKEA has closed all its stores in Russia and has stopped purchase of materials from Russia and neighbouring Belarus.
FIFA, UEFA
Russia has been expelled from the 2022 World Cup and its teams suspended from all international football competitions “until further notice” FIFA has announced in a joint statement with UEFA.
International Flights
Moscow has banned flights by airlines from 36 countries, including Britain and Germany.