Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted consumer and entertainment companies to impose restrictions on their products and services to Russian residents, in a kind of retaliation for Vladimir Putin’s government’s decision to attack its neighbors.
The restrictions include popular gadgets from American companies, a ban on world-class sporting events, and even a ban on film premieres in Russian theaters.
Here’s what in terms of commerce, products, services and entertainment had harmed Russia’s decision to attack.
Apple puts a “pause” with Russia
US companies announced on Tuesday that they would stop with Russia in the face of the recent attacks in Ukraine.
The tech giant has indicated it will suspend sales of its products, such as the iPhone or iPad. As well as restricting access to Apple Pay payments and information about maps of Ukraine on Apple Maps to protect the safety of Ukrainian citizens.
“We join everyone around the world calling for peace,” Apple added.
US, Canadian and European allies cut Russian banks from SWIFT
The United States, the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Canada have decided to disconnect Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) messaging system.
With this decision they seek to impose restrictive measures to prevent Russian banks from deploying their international reserves and thereby undermining their ability to operate globally.
In addition, they will act to “take steps to limit the sale of citizenship, the so-called golden passport, which allows wealthy Russians connected to the Russian government to become citizens of our country and gain access to our financial system.”
The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) is a highly secure network that connects thousands of financial institutions worldwide.
The Cannes Film Festival joins in and closes its doors to Russians
The Cannes Film Festival has also joined the veto launched against Russia and has decided to exclude this year’s official Russian delegation or any agency linked to the Russian Government.
“We have decided, unless the war of aggression is stopped under conditions that satisfy the Ukrainian people, not to welcome an official delegation from Russia or accept any attendance related to the Russian government,” reported the world’s largest film festival, whose next issue will take place between 17 and 17. May 28.
Canceled release in Russia
Disney, Sony and Warner Bros cancel their premieres in Russia: Disney’s “Turning Red” (“Red” in some countries), Warner Bros. of “The Batman” and Sony have announced that they are suspending the premiere of “Morbius”, scheduled for March 24.
“In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia has suspended the release of the film ‘The Batman’ in Russia,” a spokesperson for the studio said in a statement.
All three distributors have canceled their immediate releases and have announced that they will be assessing what to do with future releases depending on how the crisis develops. These companies have positioned themselves on the side of the human tragedy of the population and, in the case of Disney, have announced partnerships with NGOs to help refugees.
FIFA kicks Russia out of the World Cup in Qatar
FIFA confirmed Russia’s expulsion and will prevent his team’s participation at the World Cup in Qatar, where it still has to play the final European qualifying round.
The measures proposed by the IOC and have been adopted by other international sporting federations aim to “protect the integrity of world sporting competitions and the safety of all participants.”
FIFA had announced on Sunday, following a meeting of its Council Bureau, a series of actions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, including that no international competitions be held on its territory, other than vetoing its flag and national anthem.
Roman Abramovich says goodbye to Chelsea
Chelsea owner, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, will hand over the “management and administration” of the Premier League club to the administrator of the entity’s charitable foundation, the current European champions announced in a statement.
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