Apple has issued a statement about its move to stop sales through its online storefront in Russia, joining a growing number of companies pulling out of the country.

Amidst Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Apple confirmed that it has shut down its online retail operations in the Russian Federation. Prior to Apple's confirmation, Russian media outlets and locals in the country reported the halt of sales.

In addition to ceasing sales on its online storefront, Apple has also stopped exporting its products to other sales channels in Russia. Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Apple also pulled Russian news outlets RT News and Sputnik News from its App Store, and has disabled traffic reporting incidents in Ukraine.

Apple issued a statement confirming the news, stating that it is "deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence."

Earlier on Tuesday, The Moscow Times, an independent Russia media outlet, reported that Apple has "temporarily suspended sales through their official Russian websites."

Apple's actions come a few days after Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov penned a letter asking Apple to stop supply Russia with new products and services.

It also follows a slew of sanctions levied on Russia by the U.S. and other countries around the world. Some of the U.S. sanctions prevented domestic companies from exporting specific products to the country, though Apple didn't stop sales at the time of their implementation.

Source: Appleinsider