Disney to stall all business in Russia due to 'unprovoked invasion of Ukraine'

After Amazon, Netflix and WarnerMedia, the Walt Disney Company has announced its intentions to halt all business in Russia due to its "unprovoked invasion of Ukraine".

Variety writes that the entertainment company had revealed plans to not release any new films in Russian cinemas, but has not gone a step ahead and shut down the rest of its operations in the country.

"Given the unrelenting assault on Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian crisis, we are taking steps to pause all other businesses in Russia. This includes content and product licensing, Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions and linear channels," a Disney spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that while certain operations have been halted at the moment, the "linear channels and some content and product licensing" ones will have to go through contractual complexities.

In addition to this, the spokesperson said that the company is "committed to our dedicated colleagues" in Russia who will get to retain their jobs. 

Ever since Russia decided to invade Ukraine, it has faced backlash from political as well as cultural figures and companies. The Hollywood reporter adds that another result of the conflict is the upending of film production in Eastern Europe, which had become a popular destination for filmmakers.