American brands including Apple, Google, Ford and Harley-Davidson have stopped sales to Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine.
Apple said it had stopped sales of iPhones and other products in Russia, Alphabet's Google dropped Russian state publishers from its news, Ford told its Russian manufacturing partner it was suspending operations in the country, and Harley-Davidson suspended its business and shipments of its motorcycles.
Early in the day, the world's biggest shipping lines, MSC and Maersk, suspended container shipping to and from Russia, deepening the country's isolation.
The West has imposed heavy restrictions on Russia to close off its economy from the global financial system, pushing companies to halt sales, cut ties and dump tens of billions of dollars worth of investments.
"We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence," Apple said in a statement announcing a pause in sales in Russia and other measures, including limiting Apple Pay and dropping the ability to download RT News outside of Russia.
The steady drumbeat of companies taking a stance increased later in the day as rockets struck major cities in Ukraine.
"Ford is deeply concerned about the invasion of Ukraine and the resultant threats to peace and stability. The situation has compelled us to reassess our operations in Russia," Ford said, adding to several days of announcements by global car companies.
Nike has made merchandise purchases on its website and app unavailable in Russia, as it cannot guarantee delivery of goods to customers in the country, an update on the sportswear maker's website showed on Tuesday.
The MSC and Maersk moves mean that Russia — the world's 11-largest economy and supplier of one-sixth of all commodities — is now effectively cut off from a large chunk of the globe's shipping capacity.
To stem the stampede, Moscow said on Tuesday it would temporarily curb foreign investors' ability to sell Russian assets, but energy firms BP and Royal Dutch Shell have already decided to abandon their Russian businesses, while leading banks, airlines, automakers and more have cut shipments and ended partnerships.
Banks and miners consider their futures in Russia
Austria's Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is looking to leave Russia, two people with knowledge of the matter said, a move that would make it the first European bank to do so since the invasion.
Mining and commodities group Glencore said it was reviewing all business activities in Russia, including equity stakes in EN+ and Rosneft.
Energy companies have been leaders of the rejection of Russia, and on Tuesday French oil and gas group TotalEnergies said it would no longer provide capital for new projects in Russia.
Paramount Pictures became the latest Hollywood studio to halt theatrical film distribution in Russia, announcing on Tuesday it would pause the release of upcoming films The Lost City and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
US payment card firms Visa and Mastercard have blocked multiple Russian financial institutions from their network.
Major auto and truck makers, including Volvo Cars , AB Volvo, General Motors Co and Jaguar Land Rover have also cut off exports to Russia.
BMW said it was discontinuing local production and car exports to Russia.
Finnish telecoms equipment firm Nokia joined rival Ericsson in saying it will stop deliveries to Russia to comply with sanctions.
ABC/wires
