DISNEY and Sony Pictures are suspending the release of their films in theatres in Russia following the assault on Ukraine, announced the companies separately yesterday.

It follows the example of other major firms choosing to pull out of the country since President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion last week.

“Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming Turning Red from Pixar,” said Disney in a statement.

“We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation,” added the US entertainment giant.

“In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our non-governmental organisation partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.”

Sony Pictures also said it will pause its planned theatrical releases in Russia, including the upcoming title Morbius.

This is due to “the ongoing military action in Ukraine and resulting uncertainty and humanitarian crisis unfolding in that region”, said the company in a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted, and we hope this crisis will be quickly resolved.”

Several multinationals have already distanced themselves from Russia in recent days.

Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft took steps on Monday to limit the dissemination of information from news outlets affiliated with the Russian government.

More drastically, British oil companies BP and Shell have announced that they are dumping their shares in joint projects with Russian oil groups. – AFP, March 1, 2022.