The Chinese company Huawei is closing a division of corporate sales of data storage systems and telecommunications equipment in Russia, Kommersant writes , citing sources. In this division - Enterprise Business Group - about 2 thousand people worked, now they are offered a transfer to the CIS countries or dismissal.
The decision is connected with risks of secondary sanctions as the equipment can be used in a public sector, the source explains.
The interlocutor of the publication, close to the company, confirmed the information that most of the employees will leave the unit, but clarified that the office will remain nominally: “The company is ready to return if active hostilities in Ukraine stop.”
At the same time, the company is ready to continue selling consumer electronics in Russia, a Kommersant source clarifies. There has been no official comment from Huawei on this matter.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Chinese brands have avoided directly supporting Russia in the conflict, fearing Western sanctions. Many of them secretly leave the Russian market or cease cooperation. The exception is the automotive industry, where China is increasing its presence.