After the sanctions imposed by America and the European Union against Russia, which invaded Ukraine last week, it is also time for Apple to play its part. At least, that’s what the deputy prime minister of Ukraine asks Tim Cook. Learn about what Apple can do in this article.
Call Ukraine: Take the Russian App Store Offline
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister, has called on Apple to ratify US sanctions against Russia. Fedorov posted a photo of the official letter to Tim Cook on Twitter. The deputy prime minister, who also deals with Ukrainian digital security, reports that Apple should, among other things, take the Russian version of the App Store offline.
In addition, he also calls for no more products and services to be supplied to Russia. Apple could potentially close the iCloud service and the online Apple Store in Russia. In that country, they would then no longer be able to purchase a new iPhone, iPad or iMac through the official Apple store.
How Can Apple Support Western Sanctions?
The US and European sanctions target Russia’s financial sector. For example, manufacturers from the West are no longer allowed to export crucial products to the aggressor. Apple would fit nicely into this list, according to Ukraine. If they take the App Store and Apple Store off the Russian web, they will strengthen these Western sanctions.
The Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov believes that, in combination with other online measures, this activates part of the young Russian population. If Apple takes the App Store and Apple Store offline, Ukraine hopes to motivate the young generation from Russia to proactively oppose their own government.
Apple’s response to the war in Ukraine
Tim Cook previously reported that Apple is very concerned about the situation in Ukraine. Apple will do everything it can to support their Ukrainian workers and local humanitarian efforts. However, the CEO has not yet answered this specific question. Although the App Store in Russia is still online, Apple is already dealing with other sanctions over the war in Ukraine. Russians can no longer use Apple Pay at the major banks.
Facebook, YouTube and Google have already made changes around Russia and the war in Ukraine. For example, Russia Today’s Russian Facebook and Google accounts have been blocked to prevent misinformation. YouTube has withdrawn the payouts from some similar channels.
Do you want to stay informed about these developments related to Apple? Sign up for our newsletter or download our appâ€