Universal Music Group suspends all operations in Russia: "We urge an end to the violence in Ukraine"

Universal Music Group has joined the growing list of brands and corporations that have ceased all business operations in Russia.

"We urge an end to the violence in Ukraine as soon as possible,” the organisation said in a recent 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, UK, Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Czech Republic and Hungary) to support humanitarian relief efforts to bring urgent aid to refugees in the region."

UK based music copyright collective PRS for Music announced on Tuesday that it had decided to “formally suspend, with immediate effect, our rights representation relationship with RAO, the Russian collecting society for musical works, pending confirmation of its separation from the Russian Government and those individuals and companies on the sanctions lists.”

Our statement on Russia and Ukraine

Read the full statement:https://t.co/UFsymIHNab pic.twitter.com/iXijj5GY6I

— PRS for Music (@PRSforMusic) March 8, 2022

Last week Live Nation and Spotify both announced that they will no longer be conducting operations in Russia.

Live Nation joins the world in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and applauds all the musicians who are using their voices to promote peace. pic.twitter.com/Kgp0TQHxNw

— Live Nation (@LiveNation) March 2, 2022

Food and beverage companies like Coca Cola, McDonalds and Starbucks have also taken similar actions.

In related news, a Night for Ukraine broadcast will be held at the Roundhouse in London on Wednesday March 9th. Funds raised will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal. Performers at the event include Bob Geldolf, Jack Garratt, Eckoes, Peter Xan, Tom Baxter, Joseph Toonga, and Nadeem Din Gabisi.

Tickets for the event are available here.