In this article:
- Since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of civilians and soldiers may have been killed.
- A variety of companies from entertainment platforms to tech businesses are removing themselves from the Russian market.
- Some companies are going even further, changing their content or making donations to refugees.
As war between Russia and Ukraine continues, brands are pulling out of the Russian market.
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On February 24, 2022, Russian forces began invadingits western neighbor Ukraine. In the weeks since the conflict began, hundreds of Ukrainian civilians have died, as well as Russian troops. Actual numbers have been met with speculation, as Russia and Ukraine try to communicate separate messages. The U.S. and other nations have levied economic sanctions on Russia, in an attempt to tighten Russia’s financial situation as it attacks Ukraine. Several brands are also taking a stand against the attack by removing themselves from Russia entirely.
Here are a few of the companies moving out of Russia:
- Apple said that it will no longer sell its phones, laptops, tablets, and other products to Russian customers. Additionally, to Apple customers outside of Russia, Apple Maps is now showing Crimea as part of Ukraine, as opposed to Russia. Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.
- Spotify also closed its office in the Russian capital of Moscow, but said that it will continue to service customers in Russia, saying that it hopes to provide Russian civilians with information that may go against Russian-backed press.
- Several entertainment firms have removed themselves from Russia, but Disney was reportedly the first to make the call. Disney decided to pause theatrical releases of its movies, citing the “unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis.”
- Canada Goose announced that it’s pausing its wholesale and e-commerce sales to Russia. The outerwear retailer went beyond receding from Russian business. Canada Goose is donating $100,000 in Canadian dollars to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
- Companies in the travel industry have also interved. Travel booking platform Expedia will stop letting customers buy trips in and out of Russia. And plane manufacturers Airbus and Boeing are halting parts, maintenance, and technical support for its aircrafts in Russia.
By pulling out of Russia, these companies are hoping to make it more difficult for Russia to proceed with its attack. But the move to withdrawal could also inspire loyalty with customers, who might want to shop with businesses supporting Ukraine.