Disney Pledges To Suspend All Business In Russia Amid Ukraine Invasion

Mason Joseph Zimmer
ship with disney mouse logo
Facebook | DisneyCruiseLine

Over the past two weeks, it's become clear that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has outraged the world enough to spur people from all around the globe into action.

And while the conflict has apparently inspired volunteers to undermine Russia's advance in a variety of ways, it has also compelled over 300 multinational corporations to pull their business from the world's largest nation for as long as the invasion persists.

Recent days have shown us how impactful this decision was for Russian citizens in the case of McDonald's. But considering how much of a dominant position Disney has over the world's pop culture, it's easy to imagine that losing their business would serve as an even more withering blow.

And according to statements from the company, that situation is now in the process of becoming a reality.

In an announcement on March 10, a representative from the Disney corporation announced the expansion of measures that limited their business in Russia.

Dinsey princesses having slumber party
instagram | @disneyrussia

According to The Guardian, they had previously joined Sony and Warner Bros. in pausing all scheduled film releases there on February 28.

But in their more recent communications, they've since added that this restriction also extends to content and product licensing deals they had in place in Russia.

Furthermore, all wings of Disney's business will avoid Russia or begin the process of pulling out of the nation.

family smiling on cruise ship with Disney mouse logo
Facebook | DisneyCruiseLine

As The Guardian reported in a separate article, this means that Disney Cruise Lines will no longer provide services there, nor will the nation have any access to National Geographic's magazine, programming, or tours.

Any Disney-affiliated local content production or live television channels in Russia will also be shut down.

As a Disney representative said in a statement, "Given the unrelenting assault on Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian crisis, we are taking steps to pause all other businesses in Russia."

However, the company also clarified that some of these suspensions will take effect more immediately than others.

lawyer with Disney logo on briefcase and goons accosting Principal Skinner in The Simpsons
youtube | Walt Disney Television

In the words of a representative who spoke to The Daily Mail, "Some of those business activities we can and will pause immediately. Others—such as linear channels and some content and product licensing—will take time given contractual complexities."

In a similar fashion to McDonald's, Disney further announced that they would continue to employ any Russian staff who stand to be affected by the decision.

The Ukrainian flag flying on the Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet with the statue of Glory
Wikimedia Commons | xiquinhosilva

And although they didn't specify any particular initiatives, they also pledged to provide aid and other assistance to Ukrainian refugees.

h/t: The Guardian, The Daily Mail