Ericsson and Nokia to leave Russian market

Ericsson will wind down its operations in Russia in coming months, the Sweden-based telecommunication equipment producer said on Monday.

"Since the announcement of indefinite suspension of business operations in Russia in April 2022, we have been working through the implications closely with our customers and employees. Ericsson will gradually wind down business activities in Russia as we complete our customer obligations over the coming months," the company said.

"Ericsson currently has 400 employees in Russia, and we are fully committed to provide financial and well-being support to all employees who will be affected. Many of our employees were already on paid leave," the company added.

Nokia said it also plans to shutter most of its Russian business by the end of the year.

"By the end of the year, the vast majority of our employees in Russia will have moved on from Nokia, and we have vacated all of our offices," a Nokia spokesperson said on Monday. "We will retain a formal presence in the country until the legal closure is completed."

Nokia, which had about 2,000 employees in Russia, said its remaining activity in the country is related to limited maintenance of critical networks to fulfill its contractual and humanitarian obligations.