After confirming that it will reduce its business in Russia, Microsoft is now proving it by laying off 400 employees in Russia. This is after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Previously, Microsoft had stopped selling its new products and services in Russia, to be precise in early March, and now it seems that Microsoft has really reduced its business in Russia by firing hundreds of its employees.
"As a result of the change in economic plans and the impact on our business in Russia, we have decided to significantly reduce our operations in Russia. We will continue to fulfill our contractual obligations with consumers in Russia while stopping new sales," said a Microsoft spokesperson.
Microsoft said it would be responsible for the 400 employees who were laid off in Russia. It is also not known how many Microsoft employees are in Russia, but what was clear previously was that Microsoft's CFO Amy Hood said that Microsoft's revenue from Russia was less than 1% of their total income.
Microsoft is not the only multinational company to stop or downsize its business in Russia. There are many western companies such as Dell, Apple, Nike, and Adidas that have cut ties with Russia, such as closing shops or temporarily stopping their sales, as quoted by The Verge, Thursday (9/6/2022).
Previously reported, Microsoft stopped marketing all new products and services in Russia. The technology giant founded by Bill Gates admitted to coordinating with the governments of the United States, Britain and the European Union in carrying out these actions.
"We believe we can most effectively assist Ukraine when we take concrete action in coordination with decisions that have been taken by these governments and we will take further action as this situation continues to develop," said Microsoft President & Vice Chair, Brad Smith.
Previously, Microsoft also provided information to the Government of Ukraine in the event of a cyber attack. The hacker attack was known to target military and manufacturing institutions in Ukraine.