Microsoft scales down Russia operations due to Ukraine crisis

"We have made the decision to significantly scale down our operations in Russia," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

 Smartphone is seen in front of Microsoft logo displayed in this illustration taken, July 26, 2021. (photo credit: DADO RUVIC/REUTERS)
Smartphone is seen in front of Microsoft logo displayed in this illustration taken, July 26, 2021.
(photo credit: DADO RUVIC/REUTERS)

Microsoft Corp MSFT.O said on Wednesday it was making substantial cuts to its business in Russia, joining a string of companies that are reducing their exposure or pulling out of the country following its invasion of Ukraine.

The company, however, said it would fulfill its existing contractual obligations with Russian customers, while the suspension of new sales that was announced earlier in March remains in effect.

 A person walks his dog in front of a damaged residential building, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 25, 2022. (credit: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERS)
A person walks his dog in front of a damaged residential building, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 25, 2022. (credit: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERS)

"As a result of the changes to the economic outlook and the impact on our business in Russia, we have made the decision to significantly scale down our operations in Russia," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

Bloomberg News, which first reported the news, said more than 400 employees will be affected.

Several major companies, including Apple Inc AAPL.O, Nike NKE.N and Dell Technologies DELL.N, have severed ties with Russia.