Apple today suspended all product sales on its online website in Russia. This means that customers in Russia can no longer purchase Macs, iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices. When attempting to purchase a product from the Russian store, customers receive a "shipment unavailable" message.
Sales were halted after Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov wrote a letter last week to Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging Apple to stop selling devices and block access to the App Store in Russia. He wrote:
I appeal to you, and I am sure that you will not only listen, but also do everything to protect Ukraine, Europe and, ultimately, the entire democratic world from bloody authoritarian aggression: stop supplying Apple services and products to the Russian Federation, including blocking access to the App Store! We are sure that such actions will motivate the youth and active population of Russia to actively stop the shameful military aggression.
Apple stops Russia business
Both the United States and the EU and many other countries imposed sanctions on Russia in February, preventing companies from exporting select products to the country. Apple did not stop sales at the time, however, and may instead have restricted product availability at Ukraine's request. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on February 24 that he was "deeply concerned" about the situation in Ukraine and that Apple would "support humanitarian efforts on the ground." In a statement, Apple meanwhile said it has also stopped all exports to the country's sales channel and disabled traffic and live events in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens. The statement, which was obtained by various media outlets, states the following:
We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all those suffering from the violence. We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing assistance to the developing refugee crisis, and doing everything we can to support our teams in the region. We have taken a number of actions in response to the invasion. We have halted all product sales in Russia. Last week, we halted all exports to our distribution channel in the country. Apple Pay and other services have been restricted. 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 events in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens. We will continue to monitor the situation and are in contact with relevant governments to discuss our actions. We join all those around the world calling for peace.
Should Apple take further action, we will of course report on it. Looking for new accessories? Then check out our Amazon storefront – there you'll find numerous products from leading providers, including those for HomeKit and more! (Photo by Fedcophoto / Bigstockphoto)
