Wargaming stands by its Kyiv studio while its native Belarus takes on Ukraine

World of Tanks developer Wargaming has redirected company resources to support over 550 developers at its Kiev studio as the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its sixth day.

Persha Studia was originally founded in 2000. After being taken over by Wargaming, it became Wargaming Kyiv in 2011. The studio is the primary development center of the F2P multiplayer title world of fighter planes. The company is currently helping employees in Kyiv to find alternative housing and sending early salary payments. It also ensures that all travel and relocation expenses are paid for in the event employees need to be evacuated quickly.

Wargaming supports the Kiev studio in a moment of political betrayal. The company’s largest development center is in Minsk, the capital of neighboring Belarus. Belarus, which has served as a base for the Russian war effort, now seems keen to send troops to help Russian forces. Wargaming joins a chorus of Belarusian voices and companies strongly opposed to their leadership’s decision to ally with the Kremlin.

Wargaming is not only ensuring its employees survive the crisis, but also donating US$1 million (AUD1,377,724) to the Ukrainian Red Cross on behalf of the studio.

Here is the statement from the press release:

At Wargaming, the safety of our employees is our top priority. Currently, all available company resources help and support our 550+ colleagues: providing alternative housing, early payroll, additional funds to support travel and relocation.

We support our employees’ families when traveling to neighboring countries and organize accommodation for them.

And finally, today Wargaming Kyiv is donating $1 million to the Ukrainian Red Cross. These funds will be used as needed to support Ukrainian hospitals and doctors, displaced citizens and other vital activities of the humanitarian organization.

We will be able to continue with further humanitarian assistance if the situation requires it.

For more information on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, visit our friends at Lifehacker put together a comprehensive statement. Kotaku sends his support to everyone at Wargaming Kyiv.

This article is republished by Kotaku Australia. read this original article.