The Walt Disney Company Pauses All Business in Russia

Amidst the crisis happening right now in Ukraine, the Walt Disney Company has made the decision to pause all business in Russia.

What’s Happening:

  • Following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Disney previously made the decision to pause the release of their theatrical films in Russia, while also reviewing the rest of their businesses there.
  • Given the unrelenting assault on Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian crisis, Disney is now taking steps to pause all other businesses in Russia.
  • This includes content and product licensing, Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions and linear channels.
  • The full statement from Disney is as follows:

“Last week, after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, we announced that we were pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia and reviewing the rest of our businesses there.

Given the unrelenting assault on Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian crisis, we are taking steps to pause all other businesses in Russia. This includes content and product licensing, Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions and linear channels.

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.

Even as we pause these businesses, we remain committed to our dedicated colleagues in Russia, who will remain employed. And we continue to work with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other much-needed assistance to refugees.”