The Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine has called Apple will stop selling its products and close its App Store in Russia. Mykhailo Fedorov, who also serves as the country’s digital transformation minister, wrote a letter to Tim Cook asking for the tech giant’s support. “The whole world repels the aggressor by imposing sanctions – the enemy must suffer significant casualties… [I]In 2022, modern technology may be the best answer to tanks, multiple rocket launchers and missiles,” he wrote to convince Apple’s CEO.
Russia launched a full-scale military attack on Ukraine early Thursday, entering the country from three sides and attacking by land, air and sea. It bombed the country’s main cities, including the Ukrainian capital, Kiev bombed with rockets on Friday morning. In response to the invasion, the US government and its allies have revealed new sanctions against Russia to block its access to exports, hoping to limit its military and technological capabilities. In addition, the sanctions target Russian oligarchs by restricting their ability to transact in dollars, euros, pounds and yen.
as Bloomberg Notes Apple has an online store in Russia and offers a local version of its App Store in the country. Last year, it Fulfills with a Russian legal obligation to highlight apps made by local developers. According to the news agency, she has also registered a business office and posted vacancies for posts in Moscow in recent months, most likely to comply with local regulations. Russia last year began enforcing a law requiring tech companies like Apple, Google and Meta to have a physical presence within its borders.
Fedorov ended his letter to Cook, which he posted on Twitter, with Ukraine’s hopes if Apple pulls out of Russia: “We are sure that such actions will motivate the youth and active population of Russia to proactively confront the shameful military aggression.” Cook previously said Apple is doing everything it can for its teams in Ukraine and will “support local humanitarian efforts,” but the company has not yet publicly responded to Fedorov’s request.
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