Streaming giant Netflix has suspended its service in Russia, U.S. media reported Sunday, in protest at Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
The U.S.-based platform had already halted its acquisitions in Russia earlier this week, as well as its production of original programs.
"Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia," a spokesperson told the U.S. magazine Variety.
When contacted by AFP, Netflix did not immediately respond.
Netflix is the world's leading streaming platform, with 221.8 million subscribers at the end of 2021.
But it is a minor player in Russia, where it has fewer than 1 million subscribers, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Netflix joins a host of foreign companies that have announced the suspension of operations or outright withdrawal from Russia since the launch of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine on Feb. 24.
On Monday, Netflix told the website Vulture that it did not intend to comply with a Russian law that requires streaming platforms to offer several free channels, some of which are considered to be government propaganda outlets, from the beginning of March.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
![paiment methods](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/img/contribute/payment_icons.png)
Remind me later.