American technology company Intel announced the suspension of its business operations in Russia, joining a growing number of Western companies that have fled the country because of the declared war in Ukraine.

The US chipmaker said in a statement on Tuesday that it had stopped sales and shipments to Russia and Belarus in early March.

“Intel continues to join the world community in condemning Russia’s war against Ukraine and calling for a speedy return of peace,” the statement added.

The company further assured that it strives to support all of its employees, including 1,200 in Russia, and is focused on minimizing disruption to its global operations.

Several major technology brands, such as Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Samsung, Adobe and AMD, have announced the partial or complete suspension of their operations, as Intel is now doing, in Russia.

The war between Russia and Ukraine began on February 24. The European Union (EU), the United States and the United Kingdom, among others, have imposed tough financial sanctions on Moscow, and several multinational companies have suspended their operations, relationships and investments in Russia.

So far, at least 1,480 civilians have been killed in the war in Ukraine and 2,195 others injured, according to UN estimates, which warn the real figure is likely to be much higher.

More than 4.24 million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries and millions more are internally displaced, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

*Aicha Sandoval Alaguna translated this note.

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