NEW YORK, March 1, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Disney announced Monday it is

suspending the release of its films in theaters in Russia after Moscow's
assault on Ukraine, following the example of other major companies choosing
to pull out of the country.

  "Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian
crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including
the upcoming 'Turning Red' from Pixar," the US entertainment giant said in a
statement.

  "We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation. In
the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working
with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance
to refugees," it said.

  Several multinationals have already distanced themselves from Russia since
the invasion was launched last week.

  Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft took steps on Monday to limit the
dissemination of information from news outlets affiliated with the Russian
government.

  More drastically, British oil companies BP and Shell have announced that
they are dumping their shares in joint projects with Russian oil groups.