Apple Stops Product Sales in Russia, Responds to Ukraine Invasion

After those wondering when Apple would respond to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the iPhone maker finally announced actions it would take on Tuesday.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple says it will now:

• Stop all product sales in Russia
• Stop exports to Russia sales channels
• Removing RT News and Sputnik News from App Stores outside of Russia
• Disabling traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine

Those trying to purchase products on Apple’s online store in Russia are seeing the error message, “currently unavailable.”

“We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence. We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid for the unfolding refugee crisis, and doing all we can to support our teams in the region,” said Apple in a statement, as per BuzzFeed News.

“We have taken a number of actions in response to the invasion. We have paused all product sales in Russia. Last week, we stopped all exports into our sales channel in the country. Apple Pay and other services have been limited. RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download from the App
Store outside Russia. And we have disabled both traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens,” said Apple.

“We will continue to evaluate the situation and are in communication with relevant governments on the actions we are taking. We join all those around the world who are calling for peace,” concluded Apple’s statement.

Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “I am deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine. We’re doing all we can for our teams there and will be supporting local humanitarian efforts. I am thinking of the people who are right now in harm’s way and joining all those calling for peace.”

Yesterday, Apple Pay stopped working in Russia as VTB, the bank that handles the transactions, was unable to process payments due to global sanctions.