Netflix Suspends Service to Russia in the Face of Invasion of Ukraine

Netflix is a relatively newcomer in Russia. It launched its streaming service in 2016. The company has about one million subscribers. It boasts over 222 million global subscribers. The service is operated as a joint venture by the Russian National Media Group.

Netflix recently announced that its 2015 documentary, “Winter on Fire”: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom, would be available for free. This non-fiction documentary focuses on the Euromaidan protests that took place in Ukraine. They were sparked after Viktor Yanukovych, the former president of Ukraine, decided not to sign an accord with the European Union but to instead strengthen ties with Russia. Yanukovych was eventually ousted by the protesters. This also increased tensions with Russia. Vladimir Putin used the overthrow to invade and annexe the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has created a humanitarian crisis and raised fears about a potential nuclear conflict.