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BURBANK (CNS) - The Burbank-based Walt Disney Co. announced today it will pause all its businesses in Russia in light of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
The announcement comes a week after the company said it was pausing the release of theatrical films -- including the upcoming ``Turning Red'' from Pixar -- in Russia and reviewing the rest of its businesses there.
``Given the unrelenting assault on Ukraine and the escalating humanitarian crisis, we are taking steps to pause all other businesses in Russia,'' a Disney representative said in a statement Thursday.
``This includes content and product licensing, Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions and linear channels.''
The company said some of its business activities ``can and will'' pause immediately. Others -- such as linear channels and some content and product licensing -- will take time given contractual complexities.
``Even as we pause these businesses, we remain committed to our dedicated colleagues in Russia, who will remain employed,'' the company statement said.
``And we continue to work with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other much-needed assistance to refugees.''