[German]Microsoft has stopped all business sales of its products and services in Russia with immediate effect due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This sales stop affects both hardware, such as Xbox and Surface devices. But it also includes online services such as Microsoft 365 and Xbox Game Pass.
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The announcement was made according to the following tweet on the Microsoft blog. This is justified with the invasion of the Russian army in Ukraine. Brad Smith – President & Vice Chair writes: Like the rest of the world, we are horrified, angry and saddened by the images and news of the war in Ukraine and condemn this unjustified, unprovoked and unlawful invasion by Russia.
Microsoft is suspending all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia. In addition, Microsoft is closely coordinating and working in lockstep with the governments of the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom. Microsoft is halting – in compliance with the governments' sanctions decisions – many aspects of its operations in Russia.
Microsoft continues to work proactively to help cybersecurity authorities in Ukraine defend against Russian attacks, such as the recent cyberattack on a major Ukrainian television station.
Since the war began, Microsoft specialists have countered Russian positioning, destruction or disruption efforts against more than 20 Ukrainian government, IT and financial organizations. Microsoft has also assisted in countering cyberattacks against several other civilian entities. Microsoft has publicly expressed concern that these attacks on civilians violate the Geneva Convention.
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Microsoft continues to mobilize its resources to help the people of Ukraine. Microsoft Philanthropies and UN Affairs teams work closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and several UN agencies to help refugees by providing technological and financial support to key non-governmental organizations, and we defend these groups from ongoing cyberattacks when needed.
As a company, Microsoft is also committed to the safety of its employees in Ukraine and is in constant contact with them to support them in a variety of ways. This includes those who have had to flee for their lives or safety. Microsoft, like so many others, stands by Ukraine and calls for the restoration of peace, respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and protection of its people, the statement said.
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