Drone manufacturer DJI Technology has announced that it will temporarily suspend operations in Russia and Ukraine, making it the first major Chinese company to do si since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine in February.
DJI, the world's leading producer of commercial and industrial drones, was already suspected by both Ukrainian officials and residents of leaking data about the Ukrainian military to Russia.
The company had previously expressed regret for any harm caused by their products, particularly in the military. DJI responded that it makes products for customers and is "adamantly opposed" to attempts to equip its drones with weapons. It has also refused to make military-grade modifications.
"We promise never to provide DJI technology to customers who want to use it for military objectives. and to offer support in the development of their armed-use equipment, with the understanding that once they do not fulfill the agreements, we also have the right to terminate a business arrangement with them," DJI's announcement stated.
DJI's response came after reports that MediaMarkt, Germany's biggest electronics retailer, had removed DJI drones from its shelves over the weekend.
DJI said in a statement on Monday that its social media accounts, as well as those of its global partners, including MediaMarkt, had been attacked by swarms of internet "trolls" who were smearing DJI in cyberspace, creating trouble for multiple parties' social media operations.
"DJI is a staunch believer in these beliefs," this corporation declared, saying that "our partners, distributors, or other partners have pledged to protect them whenever promoting them using our products."
On Mar. 24, Russia sent huge numbers of soldiers into Ukraine in a "special operation" to damage the defense capabilities of its southern neighbor and root out "risky fascists."
Despite seeing footage online indicating that the Russian military was using its equipment, a DJI representative said last month that the business was not able to confirm this and had no influence over how its devices were used.
Last month, the company disputed allegations that it provided Russia with data on Ukrainian military deployments as "absolutely false," according to a German retailer that used the report to justify pulling DJI equipment from the shelves.
Fedorov also requested that DJI provide information on the use of operational DJI products in Ukraine, the locations of operational DJI products, and whether there is a problem activating new DJI products in Ukraine.
Though several foreign businesses have left Russia in protest, many Chinese companies have stayed, following Beijing's lead and refusing to criticize Moscow over the invasion.
