Netflix has decided to suspend its services in Russia, joining a rising number of companies who are at least temporarily cutting business ties with the country following its invasion of Ukraine.
“Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia,” a Netflix spokesperson told Lost Remote
Netflix has halted all productions and acquisitions in Russia at this time, including the four Russian originals the streamer had in the works. The company has also said it wouldn’t comply with a new Russian law requiring big streaming platforms to offer 20 Russian propaganda channels, including NTV and the state-run Channel One.
The streamer previously made its documentary about the Ukrainian revolution of 2014, Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom, available for free for anyone interested in a show of solidarity.
Major entertainment companies are also pulling back. WarnerMedia’s latest superhero film, The Batman, and Walt Disney’s latest Pixar film, Turning Red, are among several movies that will not be released in Russia.