Re: Upwork Suspending Operations in Russia and Belarus

[Mike Hammett <nanog () ics-il net>]

How is this related to NANOG? 




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Mike Hammett 
Intelligent Computing Solutions 

Midwest Internet Exchange 

The Brothers WISP 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Callan Banner" <me () callan im> 
To: "nanog () nanog org list" <nanog () nanog org> 
Sent: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 3:22:49 PM 
Subject: Fwd: Upwork Suspending Operations in Russia and Belarus 


Nanog to suspend work in Belarus and Russia. How do you all feel about this? Senseless antagonization or correctly 
applied pressure? 



---------- Forwarded message --------- 
From: Hayden Brown, Upwork President & CEO < upwork () t upwork com > 
Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2022 at 12:51 PM 
Subject: Upwork Suspending Operations in Russia and Belarus 
To: < me () callan im > 




A message from our CEO 
        
        
        Upwork


        Dear Callan, 
        As the world’s work marketplace, Upwork’s mission is to create economic opportunities so people have better 
lives. In our more than 20 years of doing business, we have worked hard to bring our marketplace to more people, with 
the belief that when people have the ability to innovate their careers and work, they can reach their full potential. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine has challenged our mission, values, and our operational ability 
to bring economic empowerment to those who seek it. Upwork has begun suspending operations in Russia and Belarus and 
will take full effect by May 1, 2022 . 

The first step will be shutting down Upwork’s support for new business generation in Russia and Belarus. Over the next 
few days, freelancers and clients in Russia and Belarus will no longer be able to sign up for new accounts, initiate 
new contracts, and be visible in search. 

We honor the relationships that exist between our customers and recognize the swift adjustments that they will need to 
make as they process this announcement. As such, existing contracts with talent and clients in the region will remain 
open, with final billing due by May 1, 2022 . 

We made this decision with the utmost consideration. From the beginning of the war, Upwork has been fervently working 
to support the safety, security, and well-being of our many team members in the region, as well as the business needs 
of our customers. We fully understand the significant impact this decision has on our Upwork community in Russia and 
Belarus, and we want these customers to know that if and when they are able to relocate to regions where we operate, we 
will be eager to support them in continuing their work on our platform. Additionally, should the geopolitical situation 
in Russia and Belarus change, we hope to be able to resume operations. 
We are heartbroken and horrified by the invasion of Ukraine. Upwork is concurrently working on measures – both 
immediate and rolling out soon – to further support Ukrainian freelancers and the Ukrainian community, including: 
        •       A $1 million donation to Direct Relief International in support of the Ukrainian population. 
        •       Product enhancements to make it easier for Ukrainian freelancers to preserve the careers they have 
worked so hard to establish, whether or not they are currently able to work. 
        •       Programs to make it easier for clients to maintain their existing relationships with and provide 
financial assistance to talent in Ukraine. 
        •       A $100,000 matching program for donations from our own team members to aid in humanitarian relief in 
Ukraine. 
While we continue to navigate these crucial decisions and actions, you can view communications via our Community 
Resources Page , which we are updating frequently with new developments and FAQs. 

Our hearts and support go out to all those affected by this senseless aggression against Ukraine. We hope that a path 
to peace is ahead for Ukraine, and that we are able to bring our mission back to Russia and Belarus in the future. 

Sincerely, 

Hayden Brown 
President & CEO 
Upwork  Notification settings | Privacy Policy | Contact Support 
655 Montgomery Street, Suite 490, Dpt 17022, San Francisco, CA 94111 
© 2022. Upwork ® Inc. 


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Callan Banner 
Product Lead + Technical Advisor 
phone: 7744021029 
site: callan.im 
scheduling: callan.im/calendar