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Ukraine’s tech community has shown courage and resilience amidst the ongoing invasion by Russia. Now, the startup community of Ukraine has written an open letter urging all the biggest tech companies in the world to block their services in Russia.

Also Read: #StandwithUkraine: Here’s a list of initiatives taken by the global tech community to support Ukraine

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The letter is a growing sign of how big tech giants are still finding it hard to take a position on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In an open letter signed by the Startup Community of Ukraine, the community is requesting tech companies to do what is in their control, i.e., block services in Russia.

Startup Community of Ukraine writes an open letter

The open letter starts with a description of the February 24th attack on Ukraine and how Russia is targeting Ukrainian civilians, kindergartens and hospitals. The letter also establishes how Russia is able to accomplish its goals of taking over Ukraine knowing that it will “stay immune – just like countless times before.”

The letter further notes that this is not just a case for Ukraine but also a fight for democracy and freedom around the world. “We need your peaceful support: modern technology is one of the strongest answers to beat the tanks and missiles attacking our homes and our people,” Ukraine’s startup community says from a bomb shelter.

The letter also highlights some of the companies that have taken action against Russia and have expressed their solidarity to Ukrainians. FedEX and UPS have suspended services in and out of Russia. Chip makers Intel and AMD have announced that they will not sell their hardware to Russia.

Automakers Volvo, Volkswagen and Renault have also stopped production lines in Russia. Elon Musk, the eccentric co-founder of Tesla, has announced the activation of Starlink in Ukraine and adding more terminals as an aid to offer uninterrupted internet services in the country.

The Startup Community of Ukraine adds that by limiting services in Russia, these big tech companies will be able to push the people of Russia to see what is happening and “feel accountable” for their President Vladimir Putin’s crimes.

“We ask you to block your services in Russia, condemn Russian aggression. DO NOT BE SILENT!,” the open letter concludes.