Microsoft suspends new sales in Russia due to conflict in Ukraine

Microsoft suspends sales of new products and services in Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a statement released today, Brad Smith, Microsoft President and Vice Chairman said:

“Like the rest of the world, we are appalled, angry and saddened by the images and news from the war in Ukraine and condemn this unjustified, unprovoked and unlawful invasion of Russia. We are announcing today that we will suspend all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia.”

Microsoft suspends new sales in Russia due to the ongoing conflict

To help Ukraine Microsoft is working in coordination with the governments of the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union to cease certain aspects of its business in Russia. The company says it will continue to take steps in “coordination with decisions by these governments.” Further steps will be taken as the situation in Ukraine develops.

The conglomerate says the most effective area in which they can help Ukraine is in protecting the country’s cybersecurity.

“Since the beginning of the war, we have countered Russian positioning, destructive or destructive actions against more than 20 Ukrainian government, IT and financial sector organizations,” the statement said.

“We also countered cyberattacks targeting several other civilian locations. We have publicly expressed our concern that these attacks on civilians violate the Geneva Convention.”

Microsoft supports all of its employees in Ukraine, including those who fled the country. In his closing remarks, Smith said, “Like so many others, we stand with Ukraine in our call to restore peace, respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and protect her people.”

The company behind Xbox isn’t the first company to react to the ongoing war in Russia. EA removed Russian teams from FIFA and NHL. Meanwhile (via Eurogamer) PlayStation has quietly removed Gran Turismo 7 from the PlayStation Store in Russia.

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