Spotify “indefinitely” closes Russian offices in response to Ukraine invasion

Spotify has closed its offices in Moscow in response to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the unprovoked attack on Ukraine,” a Spotify spokesperson said in a statement.

“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.”

Read this next: A list of ways you can support Ukraine

The Moscow office will be closed “indefinitely," and Spotify will “provide individual support to our personnel” in Moscow, as well as the “global community of Ukrainian employees”.

However, the streaming platform has said that it’s “critically important to try to keep our service operational in Russia to allow for the global flow of information.”

Live Nation has also announced that it will no longer do any business with Russia including promoting concerts according to NPR.

Read this next: R3 Soundsystem to host Ukraine emergency fundraiser

“Live Nation joins the world in strongly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” reads the company’s 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.”

Earlier this week, Apple also halted all product sales in Russia, with the company statement saying they are “deeply concerned” with the invasion and stood with those “suffering as a result of the violence”.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter