Ukraine calls on PlayStation and Xbox to temporarily ban accounts in Russia and Belarus

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It remains to be seen whether either company will respond

PS5
(Image credit: Sony)

The Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister has called on PlayStation and Xbox to temporarily suspend operations and sales in Russia and Belarus.

Earlier today, Ukraine Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov published the statement seen just below to his Twitter account. The statement calls on both PlayStation and Xbox to "temporarily block all Russian and Belarusian accounts," as well as temporarily ban all Russian and Belarus-based esports teams from competing in any events.

Finally, Fedorov calls on international esports tournaments to cancel any future events planning to be held in either Belarus or Russia. Now that the current Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, who also doubles as the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, has made these calls, it remains to be seen how both Sony and Microsoft respond.

Game developers around the world have been speaking out in support of Ukraine, since forces from Russia and Belarus invaded the eastern European country last week. In fact, one studio is even bundling together indie games in an effort to raise money for the International Medical Corp and Voices of Children, two charities operating in Ukraine. 

Additionally, we spoke to game developers living in Ukraine, operating in the shadow of the Russian invasion. Studios like Frogwares and Vostok Games have temporarily halted work in the face of bombing, as the focus is now on staying safe and protecting their families. 

If you want to help the people of Ukraine, consider donating to The Ukrainian Red Cross, which is providing vital aid on the ground; Doctors Without Borders, which is working with local volunteers and healthcare professionals; and The Kyiv Independent, a Ukraine-based English-language newspaper which is keeping the world informed on what's happening on the ground.

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer
Freelance Writer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.