Spotify is suspending its services in Russia

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

The country's invasion of Ukraine has led to the suspension of the service in Russia. Russia's new law that punishes spreading fake news about the military with up to 15 years in prison is the reason why it is shutting down in the country, according to a statement from the company.

According to a person who asked not to be named, the service has continued to believe that it's critically important to keep it operational in Russia to provide trusted, independent news and information. The company decided to suspend service in Russia because of the current circumstances and expects it to be done by April.

The streaming service closed its office in Russia and removed content from Kremlin-backed outlets, but this new step goes further by shutting down the service in the country. The company said in March that it would no longer offer its paid subscription service in Russia.

Tech companies have stopped services in Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Russia has taken some actions of its own.