Report: Microsoft to continue working with non-sanctioned Russians

MOSCOW, Apr 1 (PRIME) -- Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote to Ukraine’s leader earlier in March with a clear message that despite Kiev’s calls for it to sever all ties with Russia, the U.S. software behemoth would continue doing business in the country with non-sanctioned clients, including schools and hospitals, Reuters reported late on Thursday.

“Depriving these institutions of software updates and services could put at risk the health and safety of innocent civilians, including children and the elderly,” Reuters reported quoting Smith from the previously unreported March 14 letter.

Smith told President Vladimir Zelensky that Microsoft was “mindful of the moral responsibility” to protect civilians. However, he said the company was discussing with U.S., U.K., and E.U. governments whether “to halt any ongoing services and support” in Russia and would move “in lockstep with their sanctions and other economic goals.”

Reuters also said that the decision by some leading Western business technology makers, including Microsoft, German software multinational SAP, and U.S. giant IBM, to maintain operations or staff in Russia despite Ukraine’s appeals have angered their workers in several countries.

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