Netflix Suspends Its Streaming Service in Russia

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Netflix had already stopped local production and acquisitions from Russia following rogue nation's highly unpopular invasion of Ukraine

Vladamir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin won't be able to stream 'Love Is Blind' and other Netflix original shows. (Image credit: Roskomnadzor)

Netflix, which had already stopped producing local original shows in Russia and acquiring local content amid the rogue nation's globally unpopular invasion of Ukraine, has also decided to suspend its streaming service in the country.

"Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia," the Netflix spokesperson said.

Netflix, which counts 222 million users worldwide, has fewer than 1 million subscribers in Russia. Netflix launched in Russia back in 2016.

Also read: Netflix and Other Streaming Companies Forced to Carry State Channels in Russia

Participation in the Russian market was reportedly already a source of internal friction for Netflix, with the streaming company forced to carry more than 20 state run channels as a condition for entry into the country. 

Daniel Frankel
Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!