Netflix has suspended its service in Russia in protest of the country's invasion of Ukraine, Variety reports.
“Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia,” a spokesperson for Netflix confirmed.
In 2016, Netflix launched Russia and gained a relatively small count of one million subscribers. The streaming giant has 222 million subscribers across the world. Netflix service in Russia operated through a service provider agreement with Russia’s National Media Group, owners of the state-controlled Channel One Russia and various private channels.
Earlier this week, the streaming company announced it would be halting all acquisitions and projects originating from Russia. Netflix had four Netflix Originals in production, all of which have been halted. They include a crime thriller series directed by Dasha Zhuk. The streaming giant also recently declined to carry 20 Russian propaganda channels required under Russian law.
Recently, Netflix also announced that it would make its 2015 documentary Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight and Freedom available to stream for free. The non-fiction film centers on the Euromaidan protests in Ukraine, which were ignited by former president Viktor Yanukovych’s decision not to sign an agreement with the European Union and instead choose to strengthen ties to Russia.
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Netflix is one of the companies that have cut ties with Russia due to the country's invasion to Ukraine. Other companies joining the growing list includes Apple, Dell, Google, TikTok, Disney, H&M, Nike, Ikea, and major film studios.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused a humanitarian and refugee crisis, along with growing fears that it could trigger a nuclear conflict.
Meanwhile, Netflix released a new trailer for Russian Doll Season 2, which is set to air on the streaming service on April 20.
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