Microsoft Licenses for Russian Companies Ended and Payment Barriers Arise
Microsoft has decided not to renew licenses for Russian companies using its software. This information appears in a Microsoft Online Services technical support notice, as reported by TelecomDaily, a channel focused on information and analytics.
The message states that the collaboration will conclude on September 30. Representatives of the U.S. company indicated that the decision was driven by problems with money transfers. They explained that Microsoft cannot process payments from Russia to a local bank account, making it impractical to expand services within the Russian Federation.
Active subscriptions will remain valid through their current terms, but updates will not be available once the termination date passes, according to the technical support staff. The guidance underscores the importance of users taking steps to safeguard data before the termination takes full effect.
In related remarks, a Russian deputy foreign minister, Mikhail Galuzin, charged that Microsoft supports the Kyiv regime. He asserted that since the start of the special operation, the company provided various forms of assistance to Ukraine under the guise of boosting cybersecurity, a claim that fuels ongoing tensions around technology and geopolitics. The broader context includes ongoing debates about Western tech firms’ roles in conflict zones and the impact on data sovereignty and digital access for individuals and organizations in Russia.
Earlier reports noted that Microsoft has ceased certain promotional activities, including the regular distribution of free games, adding another layer to the changing relationship between the company and Russian users as sanctions and policy shifts continue to unfold. Citations: TelecomDaily and official Microsoft notices provide the basis for these developments, while analysts note the evolving landscape for multinational tech firms operating in diverse regulatory environments.