Ukrainian units of Russia’s MTS, VimpelCom close stores in Kiev

MOSCOW, Feb 21 (PRIME) -- Cellular operators MTS Ukraine and Kievstar, which are affiliated with major Russian mobile operator MTS and VimpelCom, have closed their retail outlets in the center of Kiev due to riots, the companies’ spokesmen told PRIME Friday.

“MTS Ukraine has closed two outlets in the central part of Kiev located near the epicenter of violence. These events have had no impact on the company’s sales,” spokesman for MTS Dmitry Solodovnikov told PRIME.

Kievstar spokesman Mikhail Shuranov said that the company also closed two shops in the city center. “Kievstar has not analyzed the correlation between its sales and the current situation in the country. Our top priority task is to ensure reliable communications services,” Shuranov said.

Solodovnikov and Shuranov said that the networks of both operators work in a routine mode without any serious failures.

Deadly clashes erupted in Kiev during anti-government protests on Tuesday with 75 people killed as of Thursday, according to data from Ukraine’s Health Ministry.

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