Universal Music Group suspends all operations in Russia

Universal Music Group says it is suspending all operations in Russia and closing its offices to protest the invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reports.

“We urge an end to the violence in Ukraine as soon as possible,” Universal Music says in a statement. “We are adhering to international sanctions and, along with our employees and artists, have been working with groups from a range of countries (including the US, U.K., Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Czech Republic and Hungary) to support humanitarian relief efforts to bring urgent aid to refugees in the region.”

The world’s largest music company’s decision follows the announcement last week by Spotify that it would close its offices in Russia.