With Ukraine Conflict Escalating, Music Platforms Are Ceasing to Do Business with Russia
Spotify, Live Nation, and other entertainment companies join music entertainers in ceasing business with Russia, including live concerts.
The music industry is fighting back against the Eastern Europe conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On Wednesday, Live Nation and Spotify announced that they’d be ceasing business with Russia, according to Deadline.
“Live Nation joins the world in strongly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” said the company’s written statement. “We will not promote shows in Russia, and we will not do business with Russia. We’re in the process of reviewing our vendors so we can cease work with any and all Russian-based suppliers.”
On Wednesday, Spotify announced that its Russian office is closed because of “unprovoked attack on Ukraine.” According to Russian law, social media companies with more than 500,000 daily users must have local offices in the country, but Spotify has decided to pull out.
“Our first priority over the past week has been the safety of our employees and to ensure that Spotify continues to serve as an important source of global and regional news at a time when access to information is more important than ever,” said the company’s statement.
Since Russia embarked on an invasion prompted by Russian President Vladimir Putin last Thursday, multiple artists have spoken out against the invasion and canceled concerts in the country. According to Pitchfork, rockers Green Day, HEALTH, Nick Cave have cancelled Russian shows, while The Killers and Iggy Pop have called off their appearances at Park’s Live festival in Moscow in June. Russian rapper Oxxxymiron has also cancelled six sold-out concerts in Russia.
The Weeknd also caught heat on Twitter for attempting make a “big announcement” while missiles were being launched towards Ukraine. He later deleted the tweets and made an apology.
I mean, not the best timing. pic.twitter.com/42ZgKZIkmu
— Rick Savage (@ricksavage) February 24, 2022
unfortunately i’m just now seeing what’s happening with the conflict and will pause on tomorrow’s announcement. i pray for everyone’s safety. ??
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) February 24, 2022
Last Thursday, Russian forces began a full-scale invasion on Ukraine to halt the country from joining NATO’s expansion agenda. The move followed months of military buildup along the Ukrainian border.
President Joe Biden released an official statement about Russia’s attack.
“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable,” Biden said.
Read below at how American artists are responding to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Saw footage of bombs dropping & in the background u could hear children screaming. When I tell u it broke my heart into pieces? …To every mother fleeing w|your children, saying goodbye 2 your husband…I can’t imagine how afraid & alone you must feel. God, pls help them ????
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 27, 2022
I pray for those who need a peace of mind??? So many going through things mentally & trying to still navigate through this thing we call Life??? May peace cover you & fear be removed and You be surrounded with LOVE???
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) February 24, 2022
My heart aches for everyone in Ukraine right now. I send all of my prayers for love, peace and safety during this tumultuous & unimaginable time. Stay strong, and let love rule. We must always remember we are one people, one family. pic.twitter.com/iEtPi9LM5L
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) March 2, 2022
Invasion huh….. Is anyone Surprised?
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) February 24, 2022
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) February 24, 2022
?????????? https://t.co/1VVIbuKXEu
— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) February 24, 2022