Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine asks CEO Tim Cook to stop Apple's service to raise the mood of Russian youth

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov has sent an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook requesting a service outage and product outage, including blocking access to the App Store from Russia. The content is published by Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov on his Twitter account, and the full text can be viewed.

I've contacted @tim_cook , Apple's CEO, to block the Apple Store for citizens of the Russian Federation, and to support the package of US government sanctions! If you agree to have the president-killer, then you will have to be satisfied with the only available site Russia 24. pic.twitter.com/b5dm78g2vS

— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 25, 2022

Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov reported in a letter that 'Russia has suffered great losses due to sanctions from the Ukrainian army and civilians, and from all over the world,' and 'in 2022, the best countermeasures against tanks, rocket launchers and missiles.' The solution is 'latest technology,' and asked for Apple's help.

As a specific support measure, Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov cites 'suspension of supply of Apple products and services, including blocking access to the App Store from Russia.'

The suspension of Apple's services in Russia does not mean that Russian troops will stop the invasion immediately, but Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov said, 'Russian youth and active people are willing to stop disgraceful military action. I am confident that it will motivate us to take positive actions. '

Apple has not released any official comments on this matter.

Before receiving the open letter, CEO Tim Cook said, 'I am deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine. We are doing everything we can for the local team and we will also carry out humanitarian assistance activities there. I'm planning to do it now. I'm thinking about those at risk and working with all those who seek peace. '

I am deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine. We're doing all we can for our teams there and will be supporting local humanitarian efforts. I am thinking of the people who are right now in harm's way and joining all those calling for peace.

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 25, 2022