Ukraine is asking for Apple Of stop sales of products in Russiaas well as blocking access to the App Store for citizens of Putin’s country.
The Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister asks the Cupertino giant to stop device sales in Russia and close the App Store. In a letter to CEO Tim Cook, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov wrote that the apple should “stop providing Apple products and services to the Russian Federation“. The request comes while Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine vs Russia: what will Apple do?
Fedorovwho also oversees digital operations, shared a copy of the letter in a Twitter post this afternoon, asking Apple to “support the US government sanctions package“. He went on to note in the letter itself that the Cupertino company should not only stop selling Apple hardware and services in Russia, but also block access to the App Store.
I appeal to you and I am sure that you will not only listen, but also do everything possible to protect Ukraine, Europe and, ultimately, the entire democratic world from bloody authoritarian aggression – to stop the supply of Apple products and services. to the Russian Federation, including blocking access to the App Store!
If Apple takes these actions, Fedorov believes that “it would motivate Russia’s youth and active population to proactively stop the shameful military aggression“. At present, Tim Cook operates the Apple Online Store in Russia and a Russian version of it. It also sells software and services locally in the country.
To date, Apple has not yet commented on this new request from Ukraine.
Additionally, Apple agreed last year to comply with a new Russian law that requires offering local apps when setting up a new iPhone or iPad. After completing the normal iPhone setup, iOS now directs the user to a special collection of apps from the App Store.
Although the US and other countries have announced sanctions against Russia, these bans so far do not appear to have any impact on the sales and availability of apple hardware and software in the country. With these limitations, US manufacturers will no longer be allowed to export certain goods to Russia, but at the moment, Apple doesn’t seem to be affected by at least this first round of sanctions.
On Thursday night, Apple CEO Tim Cook took to Twitter to say that Apple is doing everything possible for its teams and will also support local humanitarian efforts:
I am deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine. We are doing everything possible for our teams and will support local humanitarian efforts. I think of the people who are in danger right now and I join all those who are asking for peace.
How will this story evolve?
