Why Companies From Various Industries Are Cutting Ties With Russia

The list of companies ceasing their operations in Russia following its invasion of Ukraine continues to expand. 

Major businesses have announced the suspension of services in the country, with the latest including Adobe, Mastercard, Netflix, PayPal, Visa, and many more.  

Netflix announced that it would be halting its services in Russia just days after the streaming service company said it would not abide by a new Russian law that would require streaming companies to host Russian propaganda channels.  

Mastercard also revealed that it would shut down its network services in the country, meaning that cards issued by Russian banks would no longer be supported by the payments company. 

Gaming companies have also joined this movement. For instance, Epic Games announced that it would cease commerce with Russia, but that it is “not blocking access for the same reason other communications tools remain online: the free world should keep all lines of dialogue open.” 

Nintendo also announced that it would be halting digital sales, with the company’s eShop now in maintenance mode due to the service suspending “the processing of payments in rubles. 

Additionally, social media companies have also begun ceasing their operations, such as TikTok announcing that it would discontinue livestreaming and new content as a response to Russia’s “fake news” law.   

Businesses from various industries have made bold statements in solidarity with Ukraine by ceasing their Russian relationships, with many condemning the country’s invasion. This comes as the public has grown to demand companies take social responsibility in cultural and global issues.