Disney pauses all business in Russia amid ‘unrelenting assault’ on Ukraine

Walt Disney Co. on Thursday mentioned it might “pause” all of its companies in Russia in response to Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

“Given the unrelenting assault on Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian disaster, we’re taking steps to pause all different companies in Russia,” a Disney spokesperson mentioned in an announcement.

The transfer comes after Disney final week mentioned it might pause the theatrical launch of flicks deliberate for Russian cinemas, together with Pixar’s “Turning Pink.”

Disney’s companies in Russia embrace the licensing of content material and client merchandise, cruises, Nationwide Geographic journal and excursions, native productions and tv channels, Disney mentioned.

Burbank-based Disney is the newest international firm to stop operations in Russia throughout Putin’s struggle as companies additional isolate the nation and governments within the U.S. and Europe impose sanctions. McDonald’s and Coca-Cola are amongst companies which have shut down in Russia throughout the backlash towards Putin’s assault.

Netflix not too long ago mentioned it might not adjust to a regulation that may require the streaming service to hold Russian federal tv channels, together with Channel One and programming from the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia. Apple mentioned it might finish all product gross sales in Russia and restrict Apple Pay and different companies within the nation. Common Music Group has additionally mentioned it might stop operations in Russia.

Whereas a few of Disney’s enterprise actions instantly shut down, others, together with channels and a few licensing, will take longer due to contractual points, the corporate mentioned. Disney employees in Russia will stay employed.