Microsoft has announced that it is suspending all new product sales in Russia.
These products include, but are not limited to, Azure, Windows and Xbox systems.
According to President and Vice Chairman Brad Smith, the company was “shocked, outraged and saddened” by the images and news from the war in Ukraine and “condemned Russia for this unwarranted, unprovoked and illegal intrusion.”
While suspending sales, the company is coordinating and cooperating closely with the U.S., EU and U.K. governments and has decided to halt operations at many of its Russian operations in response to government sanctions.
“We believe that we are most effective in helping Ukraine when we take concrete steps to coordinate with the decisions these governments make, and we will do more as this situation continues to develop,” Smith said.
“One of our most influential areas of work is almost certainly protecting Ukraine’s cybersecurity. We will continue to work aggressively to help Ukrainian cybersecurity officials defend against Russian attacks, including the recent cyberattack against a major Ukrainian broadcaster. “
Since the start of the war, Smith said, it has opposed “Russian targeting, disruptive or disruptive measures” against more than 20 Ukrainian government, IT and financial sector organizations. It has also acted on cyberattacks targeting several civilian sites, which it fears violates the Geneva Conventions.
The company also mobilized its resources to help the Ukrainian people. Its philanthropy and UN affairs teams are working with the ICRC and UN agencies to help refugees by providing technical and financial support when needed, and to protect these groups from ongoing cyber attacks.
“As a company, we are committed to keeping our Ukrainian employees safe, and we have been in constant contact with them to provide multiple forms of support, including those who need to flee for their lives or safety,” Smith said.
“Like many others, we stand with Ukraine in calling for the restoration of peace, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the protection of its people.”
