The Walt Disney Company has decided to pause business in Russia. This comes as President Putin continues to use Russian forces to invade Ukraine. In an announcement this week, a Disney spokesperson shared that Disney is “taking steps to pause all other businesses in Russia.”
Businesses impacted by this decision include Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions, linear channels, and also content and product licensing. Some of these will be paused immediately and others will take time to wind down.
Disney says that it does remain committed to its employees in Russia and they will continue to be employed by the company. Disney is also working with nonprofit partners to help provide aid for those in need due to the crisis. The full statement can be read below.
The Walt Disney Company Statement on Ongoing Crisis in Ukraine
“Last week, after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, we announced that we were pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia and reviewing the rest of our businesses there.
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.
Some of those business activities we can and will pause immediately. Others—such as linear channels and some content and product licensing—will take time given contractual complexities.
Even as we pause these businesses, we remain committed to our dedicated colleagues in Russia, who will remain employed. And we continue to work with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other much-needed assistance to refugees.”
Spokesperson for The Walt Disney Company
