Microsoft stops hardware and software sales in Russia

Microsoft announced that it has stopped selling new products in Russia. Microsoft also stated that it plans to work with Ukrainian cybersecurity professionals in order to defend Ukraine against Russian cyberattacks.

On Wednesday, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov urged gaming companies like Microsoft and PlayStation to pull out of the Russian market and to support the people of Ukraine. Other than Microsoft, CD Projekt Group, Bloober Group, and Bloober Teams have all announced their decision to stop selling Russian goods.

“We are announcing today that we will suspend all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia,” Brad Smith, president and vice chair at Microsoft, said in an announcement. “In addition, we are coordinating closely and working in lockstep with the governments of the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, and we are stopping many aspects of our business in Russia in compliance with governmental sanctions decisions.”

Microsoft also says that it’s working with its employees in Ukraine to ensure their safety and mobilizing its Microsoft Philanthropies and U.N. Affairs teams to provide additional support, particularly by defending civilians from cyberattacks.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in late February when Russia launched an unprovoked attack on the country. The fighting has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and almost a million refugees from the country. Many countries have placed sanctions on Russia following the attack. Along with major companies such as Shell, BP and Apple, entertainment companies such as Disney, Warner Bros. and Paramount have all stopped operations in Russia.