Universal Music suspends operations in Russia

The world’s largest music company said it is suspending all operations in Russia and closing its offices there immediately, Report informs referring to The Wall Street Journal.

Universal Music Group NV, the No. 1 label and No. 2 publisher which has local operations in Russia, said it is adhering to international sanctions.

“Effective immediately, we are suspending all operations in Russia and closing our offices there. We urge an end to the violence in Ukraine as soon as possible. We are adhering to international sanctions and, along with our employees and artists, have been working with groups from a range of countries to support humanitarian relief efforts to bring urgent aid to refugees in the region,” reads a statement on the company’s website.

Similar discussions are happening at the other music majors, Sony Corp.’s Sony Music Group and Warner Music Group Corp., according to people close to the companies, both of which have much larger operations than Universal has in Russia.

Such moves add to the sort of cultural sanctions global entertainment companies are making in an effort to isolate Russia economically and culturally as punishment for its military actions.