The Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine called on Apple to cut the supply of products and services in Russia

FILE PHOTO: The logo of an Apple store is seen when Apple Inc. reports fourth-quarter earnings in Washington, U.S., January 27, 2022. REUTERS / Joshua Roberts

February 26, 2022

(Reuters) – Ukraine’s deputy prime minister on Friday urged top Apple Inc boss Tim Cook to cut the supply of his products and block access to the App Store in Russia.

Mykhailo Fedorov, who is also Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, tweeted a copy of the letter to Cook asking the iPhone maker to “stop providing Apple products and services to the Russian Federation.” , including blocking access to the App Store.”

Apple did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a three-pronged invasion of Ukraine from the north, east and south on Thursday, in an offensive that threatens to disrupt the post-Cold War European order.

Fedorov said: “In 2022, modern technology is probably the best answer for tanks, multiple rocket launchers (hrad) and rockets.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine. We are doing all we can for our teams… and will support local humanitarian efforts,” Cook tweeted on Thursday.

Fedorov also voiced support for US sanctions against Russia.

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden announced sweeping sanctions against Russia, cutting off major Russian banks and restricting access to global exports from commercial electronics and computers to semiconductors and aircraft parts.

(Reporting by Eva Mathews in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)