Crunchyroll and Wakanim have finally suspended their services in Russia. The two anime streaming platforms have pulled their services out of the country along with other Sony-owned companies.
Crunchyroll and Wakanim have announced that they are suspending services in Russia. This is due to the current situation surrounding the country's invasion of Ukraine. As of today, neither website works in Russia while shows that are scheduled for release have already been cancelled in the country. The companies are no longer processing payments from cards issued in Russia. However, paying subscribers can still use the mobile app.
"Unfortunately, Crunchyroll is forced to suspend its work in Russia. We hope to restore the service as soon as possible," the statement on Crunchyroll's website reads. A similar message appears on the Wakanim website.
The Crunchyroll website is currently unavailable in Russia. However, the company assures that if you have a Premium subscription and have the Crunchyroll mobile app on your device, you will still be able to watch TV shows that have already been released. It is unclear if upcoming releases will be available to users in Russia.
Russia had launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, just weeks after a tense military buildup along their mutual borders and Belarus. The country claims to be supporting the independence of the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Since then, the war has recently taken a turn for the worse, as Russia has intensified shelling of cities, and Ukrainian civilians struggle to either flee the country. Several countries around the world have decried the invasion and expressed support for Ukraine.
In response to the invasion, numerous companies have suspended services in Russia. In addition to that, film companies have decided not to release their movies in the country. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.
Related: Funimation and Crunchyroll Merge: All You Need to Know
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