The bloody Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted governments around the world to issue heavy sanctions, while many companies make statements and donate money to humanitarian organizations. In a recent tweet, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Federov issued a statement to “all game development companies and esports platforms,” specifically tagging Xbox and PlayStation twitter accounts:
In 2022, modern technology is perhaps the beast answer to the tanks, multiple rocket launchers, and missiles. […] I appeal to temporarily block all Russian and Belorussian accounts, temporarily stop the participation of Russian and Belorussian teams and gamers in all international esports events, and cancel all international events holding on the territory of Russia and Belarus.
You are definitely aware of what is happening in Ukraine right now. Russia declare war not for Ukraine but for all civilized world. If you support human values, you should live the Russian market! pic.twitter.com/tnQr13BsSv
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) March 2, 2022
Microsoft President Brad Smith has responded, “announcing today that we will suspend all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia.”
In addition, we are coordinating closely and working in lockstep with the governments of the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, and we are stopping many aspects of our business in Russia in compliance with governmental sanctions decisions.
Our single most impactful area of work almost certainly is the protection of Ukraine’s cybersecurity. We continue to work proactively to help cybersecurity officials in Ukraine defend against Russian attacks, including most recently a cyberattack against a major Ukrainian broadcaster.
Like so many others, we stand with Ukraine in calling for the restoration of peace, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the protection of its people.
In addition to cybersecurity, Microsoft is working directly with the International Committee of the Red Cross through Microsoft Philanthropies, UN Affairs, and Microsoft Disaster Response Teams to help provide relief to the besieged country.
