More Global Brands join Companies Suspending Russia Operations

ISTANBUL (AA) – More global brands have joined major companies from different sectors suspending their operations in Russia.

It was only a few days after Russia started what it called a “special military operation” in its neighbor on Feb. 24 that various sectors in Russia, ranging from technology to automotive and energy, have announced suspensions.

Apart from sanctions, particularly those imposed by EU member states and the US, companies are trying to exert pressure on the Russian economy through their actions.

Some firms stopped their operations and deliveries in Russia, while others ended their investments or withdrew from their partnerships in Russia, even in Belarus.

These include Apple, Microsoft, YouTube, Google, Dell Technologies, Oracle, and Samsung from the technology sector.

Japanese camera producers Nikon and Canon and electronics manufacturer Panasonic, as well as US software giant Adobe and processor manufacturers Intel and AMD were among many others which either halted sales and deliveries or suspended operations in Russia.

Elsewhere, McDonald’s, Starbucks Corporation, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Company suspended operations, while Yum Brands Inc, parent company of fried chicken chain KFC and Pizza Hut, paused investments in Russia.

Disney, Netflix, TikTok, Universal Music Group, and Spotify suspended their activities in the country, while global credit card providers Visa and MasterCard did the same.

Joining them were PayPal, American Express, Boeing, Airbus, Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, Honda Motor Co., and Nissan.

Sportswear giant Adidas halted its partnership with the Russian Football Union, while H&M and Inditex stopped their services in Russia. Marks & Spencer stopped supplying goods to its franchise stores in Russia and Amazon Web Services announced that it was not accepting any new customers.

The UK’s British Petroleum (BP) and Shell stopped their operations in Russia by halting their partnership activities with Russian firms.

Siemens likewise ceased supplies in the country, and FedEx and UPS paused deliveries to Russia due to the war. Maersk also suspended all deliveries to and from Russia.