Warner Music and Sony Music have followed the decision taken earlier this week by Universal Music Group to suspend operations in Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Announcing the decision, a statement from Sony Music Group said: “Sony Music Group calls for peace in Ukraine and an end to the violence.“We have suspended operations in Russia and will continue our support of global humanitarian relief efforts to aid victims in need.”
A Warner Music Group spokesperson, meanwhile, said: “Warner Music Group is suspending operations in Russia, including investments in and development of projects, promotional and marketing activities, and manufacturing of all physical products.
“We will continue to fulfil our agreed upon obligations to our people, artists, and songwriters as best we can as the situation unfolds. We remain committed to supporting the humanitarian relief efforts in the region.”
All major labels have also donated to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, as towns continue to face Russian aggression and there are growing fears over the use of chemical weapons in the near future. The U.N have recently estimated that the number of Ukrainians to have fled the country now stands at 2.5 million.
The decision from Sony and Warner adds to a growing list of companies to halt proceedings in Russia, which is now the world’s most-sanctioned country as a consequence of Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine.
Nike, Apple, Google, Starbucks, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, TikTok, Spotify, Live Nation. These are just a handful of the major companies to turn off the tap of Russian operations. To some extent, as PR machines play a part in business too, the cost may be deemed high for companies who do continue to do business in Russia, after a tipping-point of sanctions and companies turning against the country grows.
Of course none of these companies’ decisions will have major consequences in and of themselves, but as Russian citizens start becoming unable to consume the products many of them have become accustomed too in recent years, internal protest against Putin’s decision may grow with his move ultimately turning Russia into a pariah state.
Sony and Warner’s decision, following the announcement of Universal, will no doubt have an impact on Russia’s music scene (especially its touring and events capabilities). Russia reportedly has the 16th largest music market in the world, according to IFPI’s Global Music Report, with an estimated revenue of £152 million ($200 million) a year.
