https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2022/03/04/microsoft-suspends-russia-sales-ukraine-conflict
March 4, 2022
Like the rest of the world, we are horrified, angered
and saddened by the images and news coming from the war in Ukraine and condemn
this unjustified, unprovoked and unlawful invasion by Russia.
I want to use this blog to provide an update on Microsoft’s actions, building on the blog we shared earlier this week.
We are 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.
We believe we are most effective in aiding Ukraine
when we take concrete steps in coordination with the decisions being made by
these governments and we will take additional steps as this situation continues
to evolve.
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.
Since the war began, we have acted against Russian
positioning, destructive or disruptive measures against more than 20 Ukrainian
government, IT and financial sector organizations. We have also acted against
cyberattacks targeting several additional civilian sites. We have publicly
raised our concerns that these attacks against civilians violate the Geneva Convention.
We are also continuing to mobilize our resources to
help the people in Ukraine. Our Microsoft Philanthropies and UN Affairs teams
are working closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
and multiple UN agencies to help refugees by providing technology and financial
support for key NGOs and, where needed, we are defending these groups from
ongoing cyberattacks.
As a company, we are committed to the safety of our
employees in Ukraine and we are in constant contact with them to offer support
in many forms, including those who have needed to flee for their lives or
safety.
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.
I want to use this blog to provide an update on Microsoft’s actions, building on the blog we shared earlier this week.