4 more vendors suspend sales in Russia following Ukraine invasion

IBM and Microsoft are among a number of vendors which have also announced that they will halt sales in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

The likes of Apple, HP, HPE and Dell had already confirmed that they would suspend Russia sales and a growing number of IT vendors have since announced that they will follow suit…

IBM

IBM had previously said it was continuing to monitor the situation in Ukraine but has now announced it will cease all business in Russia for the time being.

"First, let me be very clear - we have suspended all business in Russia. In addition, I want to give you an update on a few of the efforts underway to support our colleagues in the region," Arvind Krishna, chairman and CEO, said.

"IBMers around the world are encouraged to continue making donations to the International Red Cross. In addition, the company is donating to two organisations that are providing critical support to the most heavily impacted areas: $250,000 to People in Need in Czech Republic, and $250,000 to Polish Humanitarian Action in Poland.

"In Ukraine, we have been in constant touch with our local teams and continue to provide assistance that includes relocation and financial support. The safety and security of IBMers and their families in all areas impacted by this crisis remains our top priority."

Microsoft

The tech giant had already expressed its support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia while claiming it was focusing its response into four areas: protecting Ukraine from cyberattacks; protection from state-sponsored disinformation campaigns; support for humanitarian assistance; and the protection of its employees.

But the vendor has now gone one step further and has suspended new sales of products and services in Russia.

"Like the rest of the world, we are horrified, angered and saddened by the images and news coming from the war in Ukraine and condemn this unjustified, unprovoked and unlawful invasion by Russia," Brad Smith, president and vice chair, said in a blog post.

"We are announcing today that we will suspend all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia.

"In addition, we are coordinating closely and working in lockstep with the governments of the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, and we are stopping many aspects of our business in Russia in compliance with governmental sanctions decisions.

"We believe we are most effective in aiding Ukraine when we take concrete steps in coordination with the decisions being made by these governments and we will take additional steps as this situation continues to evolve."

VMware

Cloud software vendor VMware has followed close ally Dell in suspending Russia sales.

"VMware is suspending all business operations in Russia and Belarus. We stand with Ukraine, and we commend the bravery of the Ukrainian people," the company said in a statement.

"The human toll is devastating and like other global businesses, we are committed to supporting our Ukrainian team members, customers and partners.

"We are also seeking to support non-Ukraine-based employees with family members located in Ukraine with information to access available resources. We continue to support our employees in Russia, as they are adversely impacted by the consequences of their government's actions.

"The suspension of operations includes suspension of all sales, support, and professional services in both countries in line with VMware's commitment to comply with sanctions and restrictions.

"We are also working with governments and customers across the globe to provide digital infrastructure and cybersecurity assistance."

Fortinet

Ken Xie, founder, chairman of the board and CEO at Fortinet said the vendor has suspended its operations in the country.

"Like many around the world, we are watching what's happening in Ukraine with great concern and as a result are compelled to take action," he said.

"We regret the impact this will have on our employees, partners, and customers who are adversely impacted by the actions of the Russian government."