By Jeff Sanidad
Eagle News Service

(Eagle News) — American Express announced it is suspending operations in Russia, joining credit card companies Mastercard and Visa, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifies.

American Express Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen J. Squeri made this announcment through a memo to all American Express colleagues on Sunday, March 6, 2022.

“In light of Russia’s ongoing, unjustified attack on the people of Ukraine, I want to update you on the actions we have taken to support our colleagues and customers in the region and provide humanitarian aid to those suffering the effects of this terrible war,” Squeri said in the memo.

“As a result, globally issued American Express cards will no longer work at merchants or ATMs in Russia. Additionally, cards issued locally in Russia by Russian banks will no longer work outside of the country on the American Express global network,” said Squeri.

The card payment company also added business operations in Belarus will also be suspended.

American Express has previously halted relationships with banks in Russia impacted by the U.S. and international government sanctions.

A slew of other companies also recently announced cutting ties with Russia as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.

Video streaming giant Netflix announced it would suspend services as well as production of original programs in Russia.

Tiktok made a similar announcement.

“In light of Russia’s new ‘fake news’ law, we have no choice but to suspend livestreaming and new content to our video service while we review the safety implications of this law,” the company said in a Twitter message, adding that its in-app messaging service will not be affected.

(Eagle News Service)