Russia is facing global isolation with its unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Several countries across the globe condemning the invasion are sending military aid for Ukraine on the other hand Russia is facing financial restrictions from the United States and its allies. They have levied sanctions on Russia’s central bank and sovereign wealth funds, successfully freezing their assets. Russia financial institutions are also facing a ban from the US and its allies.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Alphabet Inc’s Google announced that they have barred Russia’s state-owned media outlet RT and other channels from receiving money for ads on their websites, apps, and YouTube videos. Facebook has also announced that it will ban Russian state media outlets from advertising or monetizing their content on the social media network. Now, several international brands including Apple, Nike, Exxon Mobile Corp, Ford, United Airlines Holding, and more have taken adequate steps by pausing the sales or stopping the services, thereby standing up for war-affected Ukraine.
Hollywood studios Disney, Warner Bros, and Sony Pictures Entertainment have said that they would stop the theatrical releases of upcoming films in Russia. The Walt Disney Co on Monday said that it is stopping the release of theatrical films in Russia, beginning with the upcoming release, Turning Red. On WarnerMedia also made a statement saying that it would stop the release of the movie, ‘The Batman’ in Russia. Reportedly, Sony Picture is also pausing the planned theatrical releases in Russia, including the upcoming release of Morbius.
Apple has paused sales of its physical products in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, they have also imposed limitations for Apple Pay in Russia. Apple has also taken out some Russian news apps including RT News and Sputnik News mobile applications from App Store outside the country. Due to newly imposed financial restrictions in the nation, customers at several Russian Banks can no longer use their bank cards with Google Pay and Apple Pay.
The sportswear makers Nike Inc has made merchandise purchases on its website and app unavailable in Russia stating that the brand cannot assure the delivery of goods to customers in the country.
The American Multinational automobile manufacturer-Ford has released a statement saying that they are suspending operations in Russia.
“Ford is deeply concerned about the invasion of Ukraine and the resultant threats to peace and stability. The situation has compelled us to reassess our operations in Russia. In recent years, Ford has significantly wound down its Russian operations, which now focus exclusively on commercial van manufacturing and Russian sales through a minority interest in the Sollers Ford joint venture. Given the situation, we have today informed our JV partners that we are suspending our operations in Russia, effective immediately, until further notice,” the company statement read.
The multinational oil and gas corporation, Exxon Mobil said that they are discontinuing operations at Sakhalin- and is pausing new investments in Russia. The company statement read, “ExxonMobil supports the people of Ukraine as they seek to defend their freedom and determine their own future as a nation. We deplore Russia’s military action that violates the territorial integrity of Ukraine and endangers its people. ExxonMobil operates the Sakhalin-1 project on behalf of an international consortium of Japanese, Indian and Russian companies. In response to recent events, we are beginning the process to discontinue operations and developing steps to exit the Sakhalin-1 venture. Given the current situation, ExxonMobil will not invest in new developments in Russia.”
