Sony Music suspends all operations in Russia

Label 'Sony Music' has suspended all its operations in Russia, the company has confirmed to 'Variety'.

" 'Sony Music Group' calls for peace in Ukraine and an end to the violence. We have suspended operations in Russia and will continue our support of global humanitarian relief efforts to aid victims in need," the company said in a statement, reported 'variety.com'.

Sources shared to 'Variety' that the company's staffers will continue to receive their salaries for an undetermined time as the artists' situation is still being worked out.

'Universal Music Group' announced that it is suspending its operations in the country on March 8. All three major labels - 'Universal, Sony and Warner' - have local labels and operations in Russia. 'Warner' is expected to announce in the coming days.

The three companies all have made donations to Ukraine relief efforts.

On March 8, the UK's performing rights organisation, 'PRS for Music', said it has formally and immediately suspended its rights representation relationship with RAO, the Russian collecting society for musical works, 'pending confirmation of its separation from the Russian Government and those individuals and companies on the sanctions lists.'

BMI in the US made a similar statement this week: "BMI has suspended its copyright representation payments to RAO, the Russian collection society for musical works. Additionally, we are working with CISAC on a broader effort that will help benefit creators in Ukraine and surrounding areas, while also providing humanitarian aid to those who are so desperately in need."

CISAC, which is the governing body of all global collection societies, launched a Ukraine relief fund on March 9 and sources stated that it is continuing to assess the status of Russian collection management organisations.