Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov wrote a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook earlier this week. In this letter, the government official asked to stop the sales of its products and even block Russia’s access to its App Store.
Fedorov’s letter stated that he is asking for the Cupertino based giant’s support amid the ongoing crisis (the invasion of Ukraine). It is asking the brand to stop supply its services and products to users in Russia. At the moment, Apple sells its iPhones, Macs, and other products through its official website in Russia. However, the US has already pushed sanctions that will prevent the company from exporting select products to Russia. But, this move might have not affected the brand yet since it has not stopped sales as of right now.
The letter states “I appeal to you and I am sure you will not only hear, but also do everything possible to protect Ukraine, Europe, and finally, the entire democratic world from bloody authoritarian aggression – to stop supplying Apple services and products to the Russian Federation, including blocking access to App Store! We are sure that such actions will motivate youth and active population of Russia to proactively stop the disgraceful military aggression.”
I’ve contacted @tim_cook, Apple's CEO, to block the Apple Store for citizens of the Russian Federation, and to support the package of US government sanctions! If you agree to have the president-killer, then you will have to be satisfied with the only available site Russia 24. pic.twitter.com/b5dm78g2vS
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 25, 2022
Recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that he was “deeply concerned” with the situation in Ukraine and that Apple will be “supporting local humanitarian efforts.” Currently, the App Store in Russia is operational, although, sanctions on banks have interfered with Apple Pay. This includes five major Russian banks that are no longer eligible for Apple Pay or Google Pay.
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