Apple CEO Tim Cook Speaks out to support employees in Ukraine and to halt all products sales in russia, stop all exports into its sales channel in the country, RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download from the App Store outside Russia.

Apple CEO Tim Cook sent out an email to employees this morning explaining the company’s reaction to the events in Ukraine. The email also tells employees that Apple will be matching donations they make to certain humanitarian relief funds two to one.

This is retroactively for donations made since February 25th, and applies only to Apple products purchased on that date.

Apple CEO Tim Cook: I wanted to take a moment to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and express our concern for all those affected by the violence. With each new image of families fleeing their homes and brave citizens fighting for their lives, we see how important it is for people around the world to come together to advance the cause of peace.

We are working to support our employees in Ukraine and across the region, and we have been in contact with every employee. For our Ukrainian team members located outside of the country that may need support, And for any employee who needs any help, please visit the People site for available resources.

Apple has temporarily halted all product sales in Russia and stopped all exports into its sales channel in the country. The company has disabled both traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens. RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download from the App Store outside Russia. We will continue to evaluate the situation and are in communication with relevant governments on the actions we are taking.

This is an extremely challenging time for many of us, but I take comfort in knowing that we are united in our commitment to each other and to being a force for good in the world. He says Apple has been in contact with “every employee” based in Ukraine, and is working to help them and their families. Internally, some employees have discussed getting their families out of the country, while others have talked about moving there themselves.