Microsoft suspended its new sales activity in Russia. Brad Smith, chairman and vice chairman, reported this in a blog on the Microsoft website.

Like the rest of the world, we are shocked, angry and saddened by the images and news of the war in Ukraine and condemn the unjustified, unwarranted and illegal invasion by Russia.

I want to use this blog to provide updates on Microsoft’s actions, based on blog which we shared earlier this week.

We announced today that we will be suspending all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia.

In addition, we coordinate closely and work closely with the governments of the United States, European Union and United Kingdom, and we cover many aspects of our operations in Russia in accordance with government sanctions decisions.

We believe that we can help Ukraine most effectively when we take concrete steps in coordination with the decisions taken by these governments, and we will take additional steps as this situation develops.

Our most impactful areas of work are almost certainly protect Ukrainian cybersecurityright We continue to work proactively to help cybersecurity officials in Ukraine defend against Russian attacks, the most recent of which was a cyberattack against a major Ukrainian broadcaster.

Since the start of the war, we have acted against Russian positions, destructive or disruptive actions against more than 20 Ukrainian government, IT and financial sector organizations. We also act against cyberattacks on several other civilian sites. We have publicly expressed our concern that these attacks on civilians violate the Geneva Conventions.

We also continue to mobilize our resources to help the Ukrainian people. Our Microsoft Philanthropies and UN Affairs teams work closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and several UN agencies to assist refugees by providing technological and financial support to key NGOs and, where appropriate, defending these groups against ongoing cyber attacks.

As a company, we are committed to the safety of our employees in Ukraine and are in constant touch with them to provide support in various forms, including those who have to flee for their lives or safety.

Like many others, we support Ukraine in calling for the restoration of peace, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the protection of its people.

Brad Smith