LG is becoming a member of different tech heavyweights in halting Russian gross sales following that nation’s invasion of Ukraine. The firm stated in a statement it was “suspending” all product shipments to Russia. The agency did not say how lengthy this might final, however famous it could maintain a “close watch” on the scenario. LG is “deeply concerned” about everybody’s welfare and “committed” to humanitarian aid, in line with the discover.

It’s not clear simply what prompted the timing of the choice, which comes weeks after the late February invasion. There’s quite a lot of strain to behave, nonetheless. Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and others have already frozen shipments and gross sales in Russia — LG wasn’t going to look good if it continued to serve the Russian market regardless of that nation’s battle in opposition to Ukraine.

This transfer may very well be notably damaging. While LG has left the cellphone trade, it is nonetheless a significant pressure in electronics that makes every thing from TVs by to air conditioners and fridges. Between LG’s transfer and Samsung’s, Russia may have misplaced two of the most important gadget manufacturers on the planet. Russians are more likely to nonetheless have choices due to manufacturers from China and elsewhere, however their selections can be significantly narrower.